SDG 5 – Gender equality

For KfW, the promotion of gender equality is a crosscutting topic that, in principle, affects all development projects. It is about taking into account the varying circumstances and interests and the potential of women, men and LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual and Intersex) people. In projects to promote income and employment, business models and infrastructure are designed in such a way that they address gender-specific opportunities for, and needs of, male and female entrepreneurs. When building infrastructure, in the transport sector for instance, gender-specific requirements are considered and inequalities mitigated where possible. In all projects, KfW takes care to consider the opportunities and risks with regard to gender equality in all project steps - from planning, project design and implementation to the operational phase and ex post evaluation.

In many countries, women have fewer opportunities than men to take part in societal debates and make decisions. This is why KfW provides targeted support to enable women’s participation and to empower women. This means that it seeks to eliminate discrimination against women and to strengthen their rights. KfW therefore promotes the Citizens’ Charter Afghanistan Project (CCAP), which supports Afghanistan’s civil reconstruction with the help of local councils and facilitates women’s political participation. The aim is for at least 35% of local council members to be women; the target in urban areas is 50%.

Women are less likely than men to have access to banking services. If women have their own bank accounts and can access credit more easily, they can set up companies, offer services or invest in education. This enables them to earn an income of their own and achieve greater financial independence. More than 40 years ago, a Tunisian lady founded what has become a major chain of cake shops. It is now managed by her daughter – with support from the investor AfricInvest Financial Sector Fund limited LLC. This investment fund improves access to financial services for micro, small and medium-sized companies and for individuals. KfW is a contributor to the fund.

With the SDGs, the global community has set out to end the practice of forced child marriage by the year 2030. However, there is still a long way to go. According to information from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), twelve million girls and three million boys around the world still get married while they are underage. This is usually due to severe poverty and adherence to tradition. Marrying children off represents a huge breach of their human rights. It is not just the health consequences of child pregnancy that are problematic; the practice drastically reduces educational opportunities and, consequently, employment prospects. Early marriage is common in Niger. Here, KfW is supporting the non-governmental social marketing agency Animas-Sutura as it rolls out awareness campaigns in schools and villages. These call on parents not to marry their daughters off too early and draw attention to the health risks associated with pregnancy at a young age.