filia in the BMZ
In her keynote address on the work of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Hedda Ofoole Knoll, member of filia´s executive board, provided clear guidance: How can intersectional feminist ideals be turned into concrete reality in development cooperation?
filia´s Advocacy Work
As Germany’s largest feminist fund, filia sees itself not only as a supporter of civic engagement. filia also represents the interests and perspectives of our partners in discussions with policymakers. In March 2026, the BMZ brought together stakeholders from the arts, culture, academia, and business, and Hedda Ofoole Knoll, a key voice at filia, was also in attendance.
How Hedda set the tone at the BMZ
In her keynote Hedda focused on the question of how power, resources, and access can be reorganized within the context of German development policy — so that a more equitable future can emerge. Diaspora perspectives, economic justice, and collective agency are key levers for structural change, especially for actors who have too rarely been systematically involved to date.
We need concrete alliances, new institutional approaches, and the courage to actively shift existing power dynamics in development cooperation. It is no coincidence that filia works under the motto “Change – not Charity.” We are committed to helping shape power-sensitive and forward-looking processes. We also amplify intersectional, feminist voices. For democracy, freedom from violence, and gender justice.
The cover photo features Karima Benbrahim, Federal Minister Reem Alabali Radovan, and Hedda Ofoole Knoll.
