Intersectional feminist movements and organizations are at the frontlines of demanding global equality, defending democracy, and resisting authoritarianism. Despite their critical role in transforming oppressive structures and addressing crises like climate change, these groups face increasing hostility from anti-rights actors and remain chronically underfunded. This report, presented by the Alliance for Feminist Movements, outlines the urgent need to align international Feminist Foreign Policies (FFP) with bold, flexible, and abundant resourcing to support the activists leading the way toward a more just and equitable world.
Introduction
Across the globe, feminist activists and organizations serve as the primary defense against the erosion of human rights and the rise of anti-gender agendas. However, current funding landscapes reveal a stark disparity: while anti-gender movements in the US alone moved over USD 1 billion internationally between 2008 and 2017, Official Development Assistance (ODA) to women’s rights organizations actually decreased during the 2020-2021 period. Furthermore, grassroots groups—particularly Black feminist and global LBTQ organizations—frequently operate on annual budgets of less than $50,000.
To bridge this gap and fulfill the vision of the 2023 Political Declaration on Feminist Approaches to Foreign Policy, governments must move beyond rhetoric and toward transformative action. This involves not only increasing the quantity of aid—with a target of 10% of gender-focused ODA going directly to feminist organizations—but also improving the “quality” of funding through multi-year, core, and flexible support. By prioritizing the leadership of the Global South and adopting a “do no harm” approach to risk, Feminist Foreign Policies can effectively empower the movements that are essential to achieving lasting environmental, economic, and gender justice.