Gender

Our development efforts will be worthwhile only if we step up the fight for equality between women and men.

Gender equality is as it were a red thread woven throughout all of our work. We also have specific gender projects, in particular education projects for girls and projects against violence against women.

 

What we do

Education and decision-making

The right to education is a prerequisite for creating economic, social and political opportunities. In our technical and vocational training programmes issues regarding access to education and continued school attendance of girls are systematically taken into account; and so is the creation of a safe and healthy environment that is conducive to learning and empowerment.
In addition, we address both women and men with our capacity development activities.
Finally, incorporating gender issues and fostering the participation of women in the decision-making process when elaborating our partners’ policies, plans, programmes and budgets is a focus of attention.

Health and sexual and reproductive rights

Promoting and protecting sexual and reproductive rights – including HIV response – are key to women’s empowerment and the well-being of households. We address these rights throughout our health, agriculture, education and other programmes and we involve men and local authorities in the process.
Addressing the subject of family planning remains a challenge at the heart of the dialogue with our partners. Finally, we contribute to the fight against sexual violence with awareness-raising activities and the improvement of care given to victims.

Food security and food sovereignty

The bulk of people living in poverty live in a rural environment. For women it is increasingly hard to obtain land (land and inheritance rights) or to access to markets and formation, even though they are key players in the production, processing and commercialisation of food. By ensuring equal access to land, inputs, technical training and business opportunities, we support their income-generating potential.
Our agricultural programmes in particular work with women’s cooperatives help them to get more organised and to involve women in the management of the value chains (from production to sales).

Related content

The empowerment of women concerns women gaining power and control over their own lives. With our gender strategy (2019-2023) we try to reinforce this. Read more.

Enabel’s Gender Strategy 2019-2023

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On March 8, we captured the aspirations of Enabel directors for gender equality in the next 15 years.

Rights, equality, empowerment: International Women’s Day 2025

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On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Enabel, BIO and the DGD honoured inspiring and resilient women.

#TeamBelgium invests in women

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It is estimated that globally 200 million girls and women have undergone FGM. In Burkina Faso the majority of women have been cut. Together with communities and the government of Burkina Faso, Enabel works to put an end to this practice.

Ending FGM in Burkina Faso

News & Events

News

21 March 2025

Junior Programme – Looking for young talents!

Between 20 March and 2 April, 17 new vacancies in various sectors will be open to young talents with the European nationality.

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enabel employees posing with time capsule News

14 March 2025

Rights, equality, empowerment: International Women’s Day 2025

On March 8, we captured the aspirations of Enabel directors for gender equality in the next 15 years.

Read more

family picture of OVAM and Enabel representatives News

11 February 2025

Enabel and OVAM work together to boost circular economy in Morocco 

The initiative, funded by the Flemish government, aims to create green jobs and promote circular entrepreneurship in Morocco.

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visual presenting the event' speakers Events

21 January 2025

Enabel puts international cooperation on the map in Davos

In the margins of the World Economic Forum at Davos, Enabel is organising a debate entitled ‘Reimagining international cooperation: A strategic imperative for global and European competitiveness.’

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CEOs of Enabel and NGI signing the agreement News

15 January 2025

National Geographic Institute and Enabel cooperate to protect the environment

The agreement aims at strengthening the management of natural resources and the preservation of biodiversity in the African Great Lakes region. 

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visual with text saying "position paper" Resources

15 January 2025

Activating the potential of territories to achieve inclusive and equitable development

Enabel assists territories in becoming drivers of change and innovation for sustainable human development.

Read more

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