Seminar on Gender-Responsive Budgeting

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the existing socio-economic challenges in developing countries. For example, it has reversed some gains made towards attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, and threatens the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Further, it has widened the gender income disparities, which have been of concern over the years. Policymakers are faced with the difficult task of using the existing policy frameworks to mitigate these situations without compromising macroeconomic conditions. Fiscal policy, particularly the budget, remains an important tool that can be used as an entry point to address some of these challenges. Well-structured fiscal policies for effective collection and allocation of public resources and advancement of gender equality are of paramount importance. In light of this, gender mainstreaming the budgeting processes is one of the areas requiring substantial capacity development in the region. It is against this background that MEFMI will be conducting a seminar on Gender-Responsive Budgeting to assist policymakers in ensuring that the gains resulting from gender-focused budgeting processes are properly understood.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this seminar is to equip participants with an understanding of the key concepts and principles in gender budgeting and the main tools used in gender budget analysis.

CONTENT

The seminar will cover the following topics:

1. Concepts, Principles, and Processes of Gender Budgeting;

2. Budget Formats and Processes;

3. Tools for Gender Budget Analysis; and

4. Experiences of Gender Budget Initiatives.

TARGET GROUP

The seminar targets mid-level officials from ministries of finance and central banks who are responsible for public finance management and budgeting-related issues.