At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Sevilla, Hivos co-hosted a side event titled “Financing for Development and Gender Equality: A Feminist Agenda for Action for Sevilla and Beyond.” The event convened ministers, feminist activists, and development partners from around the world. Despite the broader conference’s limited outcomes, the side event reaffirmed strong political commitment to financing gender equality.
In response to an increasingly hostile environment for gender rights, participating countries—such as Iceland, Norway, Brazil, Malawi, France, Spain, and the Netherlands—demonstrated solidarity in resisting anti-rights movements. The session emphasized the urgency of adapting to global gender justice challenges and confronting backlash against women’s and girls’ rights.
The event also introduced a feminist agenda for action, with Hivos and partners presenting 12 Calls to Action for Resourcing Gender Equality. This framework outlines the need for inclusive decision-making, investment in care infrastructure, and dedicated financing for feminist movements and sexual and reproductive health and rights. The approach frames gender equality financing as central to sustainable development rather than a peripheral issue.
Co-organized with support from various organizations—including the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Countdown 2030 Europe, and the Generation Equality Action Coalitions—the event featured contributions from UN Women, several national governments, civil society organizations, and philanthropic institutions. This collaboration underscored ongoing momentum and collective will behind feminist financing initiatives.
The discussion concluded by highlighting the importance of aligning FFD4 outcomes with broader global agendas. It also promoted the upcoming Financing for Feminist Futures Conference, scheduled for October 8–10 in Madrid, as a strategic platform to sustain advocacy, drive reforms in the global financial system, and secure increased funding for gender equality and women’s rights organizations.
