The European Commission just published its new EU Gender Action Plan III (GAP). It is the key framework for the inclusion of gender equality in EU external action. GAP requires the EU to mainstream gender in both its programmes and their policies / political dialogues with partner countries, making it a crucial tool for IPPF.
The new GAP has six pillars:
- Gender-based violence
- SRHR
- Economic and social rights empowering girls and women (which includes a sub-pillar on education and a sub-pillar on health)
- Political participation
- Green and digital transformation
- Women peace and security
While SRHR used to be included in the GBV pillar only, it has now emerged as a pillar in its own right. As a pillar, SRHR is a clear priority for the EU with key actions focusing in particular on promoting changes in laws and norms blocking access to SRHR for all, as well as ensuring service delivery in all contexts, including humanitarian and conflict settings. In addition, SRHR, including CSE, is mainstreamed into the education and health sub-pillars.
GAP focuses on implementation at country level and gives the responsibility to EU Delegations to choose, among the six pillars, priorities to focus on in each EU partner country.
GAP also requires EU Delegations to consult with CSOs to choose priorities. Concretely, when a priority is chosen, it means that EU Delegations will fund programmes and engage politically through political dialogues with national authorities in this area. This could also translate into support for national advocacy efforts.
What does this mean?
It offers a great opportunity to influence the political and funding priorities of EU Delegations.
How do we influence the EU Delegations?
MAs can reach out to their EU Delegations to welcome the GAP and highlight why the GAP implementation should focus on SRHR (share analysis and SRHR needs) – this can be done at the same time as advocacy in favour of including SRHR and gender equality in the programming process.
MAs can also proactively ask to participate in the consultations organised by EU Delegations to choose priorities for the GAP implementation in their country.
When should we reach out to the Delegations?
Consultations dates have not been decided, but MAs can already get in touch with the EU Delegations to welcome the GAP, and start the advocacy work by presenting to the EU Delegations the SRHR needs in their countries, areas to focus on, etc.
Where is the GAP applicable?
The GAP is applicable in all non EU-countries in which the EU works and has a Delegation/mission. So it is relevant for basically all IPPF MAs.
If you have questions, please write to Brussels Office: mtempesta@ippf.org