The Generation Equality Forum concluded in Paris with the launch of a global 5-year action journey to accelerate gender equality by 2026. Built on the principles of intersectionality and structural transformation, the Global Acceleration Plan focuses on advancing progressive action in six core areas:
- gender-based violence,
- women and girls’ bodily autonomy and sexual and reproductive health and rights,
- economic justice and rights,
- feminist action for climate justice,
- technology and innovation,
- feminist movements and leadership.
Governments, philanthropy, civil society, youth organizations and the private sector have pledged to invest no less than $40 Billion and to implement more than 1,000 bold, action-oriented commitments, including 32 in India.
Financial and Programme Commitments by France
France announced a EUR 400 million contribution to sexual and reproductive rights programmes. 50% of its new contribution of EUR 333 million to the Global Partnership for Education will be dedicated to gender equality.
Policy and programme commitments include the promotion of gender equality in sports along with the International Olympic Committee and a campaign to promote women in the healthcare sector with WHO and the NGO Women in Global Health. France has also signed onto the Women, Peace & Security and Humanitarian Action (WPS-HA) Compact.
Equality in the Cultural and Creative Industries
France carried forward the Charter of Commitments for Cultural and Creative Industries (Charte pour l’égalité entre les femmes et les hommes dans les secteurs culturels). This charter aims at fighting sexist representations, sexual and gender-based violence and harassment in the film, radio, TV, music, video games, advertising, as well as children and young people’s literature and toys.
76 institutions from 23 countries signed the Charter, including 10 from India:
- Sikhya Entertainment
- CPB Foundation
- Hirumchi Styling Company
- Indianostrum Théâtre
- Kalki Subramaniam
- Khoj International Artists Association
- Librairie Bingsha Shatabdi
- Poppy Seed Lab
- Sandbox Collective
- The Pocket Company
The Charter signatories commit to take action to achieve these five goals:
- Collect objective information in the various sectors of cultural industries
- Take gendered representations forward and take action against stereotypes in cultural and creative industries and their productions
- Promote gender-balanced participation in decision-making in cultural and creative industries
- Prevent and fight sexual and gender-based violence in cultural and creative industries
- Ensure effective communication and monitoring of commitments
France announced a EUR 400 million contribution to sexual and reproductive rights programmes. 50% of its new contribution of EUR 333 million to the Global Partnership for Education will be dedicated to gender equality.
Policy and programme commitments include the promotion of gender equality in sports along with the International Olympic Committee and a campaign to promote women in the healthcare sector with WHO and the NGO Women in Global Health. France has also signed onto the Women, Peace & Security and Humanitarian Action (WPS-HA) Compact.
Equality in the Cultural and Creative Industries
Sign the Charter
The Charter is open to all institutions, public and private, from the civil society and the business sector. To apply to become a signatory, contact the French Institute.
What’s next? Implementation.
The French cultural and diplomatic network in India has long been promoting gender equality in its cultural, scientific and educational programmes and events. Our campaign to promote Gender Equality will go on: we still invite our partners in India to register equality initiatives and events on www.ifindia.in/equality.
Our first ever podcast series tackles the topics of equality and inclusivity, in collaboration with the network of Alliances Françaises in India. Have you subscribed yet?
We look forward to pursuing our collaboration with UN Women India so that the Generation Equality Forum translates into grassroots and concrete actions.