Guided by a strong commitment to social justice and gender equality, Gabrielle Goyet brings together academic research, civic engagement, and professional practice in the field of international development. She is a PhD candidate in Political Science at the Université de Montréal, where her research examines the effectiveness of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, with particular attention to how institutional ambitions are translated into the lived realities of communities in West Africa.
Following a formative experience as an analyst at Global Affairs Canada, Gabrielle chose to devote herself fully to research, convinced that rigorous and accessible knowledge can contribute to improving public policy. Her work draws on feminist and postcolonial approaches, while placing strong emphasis on local perspectives and contextual dynamics.
Alongside her academic work, Gabrielle is actively involved in youth, feminist, and international cooperation organizations. Her activities – ranging from administrative and leadership roles to political podcasting and artistic initiatives – reflect her commitment to fostering open, inclusive, and dialogical spaces.
Driven by a sustained commitment to learning and knowledge sharing, Gabrielle seeks to strengthen the links between research, public policy, and civil society in order to contribute to the advancement of more just and equitable practices.
Rethinking the Effectiveness of Official Development Assistance Through a Gender Lens: The Case of Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy
This thesis project proposes to analyze the tangible effects of “feminist” development assistance policies, in order to better understand their ability to generate sustainable social transformations and strengthen gender equality.
Taking the case of Canada and its Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), the research focuses on how the transformative ambitions of this policy have translated into practices and experiences on the ground since its adoption in 2017. This approach contributes to reflections on Canada’s international commitment and its positioning as a leader in gender equality, while also drawing lessons that can be transferred to other countries with similar policies.
The timeliness of the topic underscores its relevance: despite significant investments, donors have trouble demonstrating the real impact of feminist development assistance, and there is no consensus in the literature to measure the profound transformations it targets, such as the evolution of gender norms or the empowerment of women and girls. The thesis therefore explores the tension between donor accountability imperatives and the complex local dynamics of social change, which are often non-linear and difficult to capture with standardized indicators.
By examining the implementation of the FIAP in strategically significant contexts in West Africa (Mali, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire), the research aims to document gaps and points of convergence between Canadian policy objectives and local realities. The expected lessons will provide a better understanding of how international assistance can support development among women and girls, while enhancing the effectiveness and relevance of donor interventions.
In addition to its academic contribution, this project embodies a definite commitment to gender equality. It aspires to produce knowledge that can directly inform public policy, by promoting inclusive approaches tailored to the needs of beneficiary communities. In doing so, it contributes to rethinking the effectiveness of feminist international assistance in a world where gender equality has yet to be achieved.
