IOB - Evaluation of the MDG3 Fund - 'Investing in Equality' (2008-2011)

Following the Schokland agreements of 2007, the Netherlands' Government set up a special Fund to speed up the achievement of MDG3: promoting gender equality and empowering women.

The MDG3 Fund, with a budget of € 77 million, became operational in 2008 and lasted until 2011. Its aim was to realise concrete improvements in rights and opportunities for women and girls in developing countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia. The Fund has financed 45 projects in the areas of combating violence against women, improving women's political participation, equal opportunities on the labour market and property rights for women. These projects were implemented by a broad range of civil society organisations, media, universities and research institutions. This evaluation informs on how the Fund was put into practice and what results have been achieved.