Women around the world only have a limited influence on decision-making in politics, the economy, society, and even the household. The SDC is helping to ensure that women can fulfil their obligations as citizens on an equal footing as men and promotes their political participation.
Strengthening women's political participation
SDC focus
The SDC systematically integrates gender equality dimension in its governance projects. In democratisation processes, for example, it promotes women's political participation at the local and national levels.
In Afghanistan, which is experiencing rapid urbanisation, the crime rate is increasing drastically. In eight of the country’s major cities, citizens are enlisted to assess the security challenges and to put collective measures in place to counter them. In a process supported by the SDC, priority is given to the active participation of women.
In Benin, the SDC empowers women seeking to be involved in political office or other decision-making bodies, such as local health and water committees.
Integrating gender aspects is also a priority in local community development in the West Balkans. Through its projects, the SDC promotes women's participation in budget planning and resource distribution, and takes into account the needs and interests of women, men, girls, and boys equally.
Context
Women are still less represented than men in decision-making bodies in government and business, where the important decisions are taken. They are confronted with obstacles, such as entrenched social prejudices, lack of time, and inadequate education, which prevent them from being involved in politics as to the same degree that men are.
Decision-making bodies must be aware of the gender dimension, and women must be duly represented in them. The SDC believes that all population groups need to be included in local governance and in development of decentralisation processes. At the same time, the impact of policies and budget decisions on women, men, children, and minorities should be analysed.
Links
Documents
Gender, Democratisation, Decentralisation and Local Governance (PDF, 9 Pages, 738.9 kB, English)
On the path to greater gender equality in Afghanistan (Asia Brief, February 2014)
Gender learning day on Women’s Political Leadership
Socially inclusive and gender responsive budgeting (PDF, 12 Pages, 6.3 MB, English)
Current projects
FAIRWAY - Interregional Programme to promote decent work for migrant workers from Africa to the Arab States
01.09.2024
- 31.05.2028
Decent work for low-income migrant workers in the Middle East is promoted, in sectors particularly prone to forced labor and exploitation, affecting increasingly African workers. Through improved services, access to justice and representation, migrant workers have their rights protected. Interregional and regional cooperation is promoted for improved labor migration governance and safe migration, thereby enhancing the development benefits for countries of origin and destination.
Women’s Economic Empowerment in the South Caucasus (WEE)
01.09.2024
- 31.08.2026
Switzerland has been successfully supporting women and their businesses in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan since 2017. In this final phase of the project, Switzerland aims to institutionalize gender-related policies at national and local levels, build the capacities of the governmental and non-governmental partners to continue promoting women's empowerment and encourage the private sector to support more women in the formal economy.
Gender Equality in Food Systems
01.08.2024
- 31.12.2027
Gender-based discrimination, or the denial of women’s rights, is one of the major causes of poverty and food insecurity. The support from SDC contributes to women’s economic empowerment and the sustainable and transformative change in their livelihoods. FAO, IFAD, WFP and UN Women together tackle the barriers to gender equality at global, regional and national levels, including through the uptake of the CFS Voluntary Guidelines on Gender Equality and Women’s and Girls Empowerment.
République démocratique du Congo (RDC): Transcultural Psychosocial Organisation (TPO) Protection des enfants et des femmes
15.07.2024
- 30.06.2026
Les conflits armés à l’est de la RDC continuent à engendrer des violations graves des droits de l’enfant et de la femme, y compris les violences basées sur le genre, le recrutement forcé et le manque d’accès à l’éducation. Par le biais de mécanismes et structures communautaires et de gouvernance locale, ce projet vise à identifier les principaux problématiques de protection, y apporter une assistance et contribuer à leur résolution.
Safeguard Young People (SYP) - Tanzania
01.01.2024
- 31.12.2026
With 62% of its population below 25 years, the Safeguard Young People (SYP) programme supports Tanzania’s demographic dividend. The project advances young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) through a gender-responsive and inclusive policy environment, empowered youth who make informed decisions, and responsive health and education systems. SYP builds on 10 years of regional experience and UNFPA’s expertise.
Burundi – Programme conjoint sur les droits humains
01.01.2024
- 31.12.2027
La situation des droits de l’homme au Burundi reste préoccupante en raison de la persistance des violations des droits de l’homme et de l'absence d'obligation de rendre des comptes. Le Programme conjoint sur les droits humains est une initiative multipartite (Gouvernement et bailleurs de fonds) qui vise à promouvoir l’application du cadre légal en matière de droits de l’homme par des institutions crédibles et efficaces.
Sudan Conflict Affected-Populations Lifesaving Emergency Response (SCALE)
01.01.2024
- 31.12.2025
The conflict that broke out in Sudan on 15 April 2023 has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. Through the SCALE project, Mercy-Corps (MC) provides vulnerable conflict-affected and displaced individuals with Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) as well as food security and livelihoods support to meet their basic needs and enhance their coping capacities. SCALE adopts a nexus approach, leveraging MCs existing development and peacebuilding programming. Working alongside local partners, the project aims to amplify the voices of conflict-affected women and demonstrate the power of collective influence and action to address priority needs.
OCHA Interagency Protection / Gender / PSEA Project 2024-2025
01.01.2024
- 31.12.2025
Switzerland provides a contribution to the inter-agency Protection Standby Capacity (ProCap), the Gender Standby Capacity (GenCap) and the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Standby Capacity (PSEACap). They deploy Senior Protection Advisers to humanitarian field operations, as well as at the global and regional levels. Switzerland will strengthen the capacity of the humanitarian system to deliver better protection, gender equality and PSEA by providing strategic and technical advice to the Humanitarian Country Teams (HCTs) around the world.
EmPower II: Women for Climate Resilient Societies
01.12.2023
- 31.12.2025
With EmPower II, SDC contributes to a SIDA-funded project of UN-Women and UNEP promoting climate-resilient development for women and other marginalized groups. SDC’s support enables disaggregated data products for gender-responsive DRR and climate strategies and enhances capacities on the subnational level among policy-makers and CSOs. SDC’s support also facilitates financial access and literacy on renewable energy in Cambodia, Bangladesh and Indonesia.
Assistance en soutien psychosocial et protection intégrée pour les populations affectées par le conflit au Burkina Faso
20.11.2023
- 30.04.2026
Les populations déplacées internes au Burkina Faso, en particulier les femmes et les filles, sont exposées à des violations de leurs droits. Afin de contribuer à la protection de ces populations vulnérables, la Suisse soutient le projet de protection intégrée. Le projet vise à répondre à l’urgence et à appuyer les acteurs locaux (Etat, associations et communautés) dans la prise en charge des victimes et à réduire leur vulnérabilité en leur donnant des moyens de subvenir à leurs besoins.
For an Active Civil Society Together (ACT)
01.11.2023
- 31.10.2027
ACT-2 improves citizens’ participation in decision making at the local and national level through and with the support of civil society organizations (CSOs). Selected mission-driven CSOs are supported to strengthen constituency, diversify funding and effectively engage in advocacy. They jointly advocate with complementary CSOs and informal groups to increase impact and legitimacy. CSOs initiate dialogue and collaboration with local authorities, private sector and media to achieve development results.
Human Rights Grants (HRG) program in Tajikistan
01.10.2023
- 30.11.2025
The Human Rights grants program will support local and international organizations working in Tajikistan on acute Human Rights issues. The program will provide cofunding opportunities to selected projects related to child rights, freedom of press, human rights in custody, prevention of gender-based violence and the rights of migrants/refugees.