Share the page
[Special report] Advancing equality: how AFD supports women’s rights
Published on
On the occasion of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, this report highlights how Agence Française de Développement (AFD) supports gender equality. How is this support for women’s rights organized in practice? Which tools are used, and with what impact? From a broad range of financing instruments to initiatives on the ground, this overview explores a strategy designed to be structural, measurable, and transparent.
Around 68% of financing committed by AFD Group, across all sectors, targets the promotion of gender equality. This figure reflects a priority that has become a core part of its approach, implemented across the 160 countries where the Group operates.
AFD systematically integrates gender considerations into its projects and positions itself as a feminist development agency, in line with France’s feminist foreign policy. It promotes equality between women and men as a key pillar of its “100% Social Link” strategy, based on the conviction that sustainable development cannot exist without justice and equal rights.
To achieve this goal, AFD mobilizes several instruments: grants to civil society organizations, loans to public-sector actors, and dedicated funds such as the Support Fund for Feminist Organizations (FSOF). This range of tools enables concrete action for women’s rights, from combating gender-based violence to strengthening women’s participation in peace and development processes.
Reports, news updates, and videos complement this work by explaining financing mechanisms, highlighting results, and ensuring transparency about the impact of the projects supported.
(Activity report) Our Support Fund for Feminist Organizations
(News) Women – a driving force for peacebuilding and security
To mark the 25th anniversary of the UN Resolution 1325 on "Women, Peace, and Security", AFD is giving a platform to four of its partners working to defend women's rights in conflict zones.
© Jam Productions / Proparco
(News) Morocco: helping women survivors of violence reclaim their dignity
In Casablanca, the National Institution for Solidarity with Women in Distress (INSAF) supports women who have experienced violence by helping them rebuild their lives through social and legal assistance, as well as vocational training.
Through the Karama project, implemented with Batik International and the Federation of Women’s Rights Leagues, the organization strengthens women’s economic autonomy. Its work is supported by AFD to promote women’s rights and dignity in Morocco.
© Ayla Mrabet / AFD
(Video) AFD, the Choice of Feminist Development
Across all areas of development, women face discrimination compared with men. Gender inequalities are both a source of injustice and a driver of poverty: they hinder the sustainable development of societies from political, economic, and social perspectives. This is why AFD integrates gender considerations across all its projects and positions itself as a feminist development agency within the framework of France’s feminist foreign policy.
(Call for projects) Technology-facilitated gender-based violence
Opened on 25 June 2025 and closed on 31 August 2025, this call for proposals aimed to select a consortium of feminist civil society organizations (CSOs) from France, internationally, and/or from partner countries of France’s development policy.
The selected consortium was tasked with managing €4 million in funding. These funds were intended to support feminist organizations in Africa and in the Middle East. The goal was to strengthen their efforts to combat gender-based violence, particularly violence facilitated by digital technologies.
© Kibuuka Mukisa Oscar / AFD
(News) Promoting gender equality in the Indian Ocean region through education, employment, and health
© Jam Productions / Proparco
Projet - Soutien à l’entrepreneuriat en faveur des femmes et des jeunes en Ouganda
Launched in September 2023 for a period of 12 years, AFD’s support for Pride Microfinance aims to expand access to credit in Uganda, particularly for women and young entrepreneurs. Through financing (a loan and a grant) the project strengthens microfinance services for small businesses excluded from the conventional banking system.
Each year, around 5,000 people are expected to benefit from new financing, while 1,000 young people and women will receive training in financial management. The objective is to stimulate economic activity while sustainably reducing inequalities in access to financial services.
© Esther Ruth Mbabazi
