Gender Responsive Budgeting in South Asia: Experience of Bangladeshi Local Government

This book examines the practice of local-level participatory planning and budgeting and its impact on gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) in Bangladesh. It suggests that participatory budgeting and GRB should evolve together to address gender needs and provides a theoretical explanation to consolidate the practice of GRB at the local government level.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 124 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate realm of local-level participatory planning and budgeting (PPB) and its profound impact on gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) in Bangladesh. It presents a conceptual framework that sheds light on the crucial role of successful PPB practices in ensuring GRB, by examining whether men and women are subjected to distinct income and expenditure patterns. The book proposes that the principles of participatory budgeting and GRB should harmoniously evolve to provide a concrete solution to address gender-specific needs. Furthermore, it offers a theoretical explanation that contributes to the consolidation of GRB at the local government level through PPB.

This book holds immense appeal to researchers and scholars engaged in the fields of Development Studies, Political Science, Public Administration, Gender, Asian Studies, particularly South Asian Studies. Its in-depth analysis and insightful perspectives offer valuable insights into the dynamics of PPB and GRB, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by Bangladesh in promoting gender equality and social development.

The book begins by providing a historical background of PPB in Bangladesh, highlighting its origins and evolution over time. It then delves into the concept of GRB, emphasizing its significance in addressing gender disparities and promoting inclusive development. The book explores the theoretical foundations of PPB and GRB, drawing upon relevant literature and scholarly research to provide a robust theoretical framework.

In the subsequent chapters, the book conducts a rigorous analysis of PPB and GRB practices in Bangladesh, using a combination of empirical evidence, case studies, and theoretical frameworks. It examines the various mechanisms and strategies employed by local governments to involve citizens in the budgeting process, including participatory budgeting, community meetings, and gender-sensitive budgeting. The book also assesses the impact of PPB and GRB on gender equality, poverty reduction, and social development in Bangladesh.

One of the key findings of the book is that PPB and GRB have the potential to empower women and marginalized communities, by promoting their active participation in decision-making processes and resource allocation. The book highlights the importance of gender mainstreaming in PPB and GRB, by ensuring that gender needs and perspectives are integrated into all stages of the budgeting process. It also emphasizes the need for gender-responsive policies and programs to be implemented at the local level to address gender-based inequalities and promote gender equality.

The book further explores the challenges and barriers faced by local governments in implementing PPB and GRB, including limited resources, lack of institutional capacity, and social and cultural barriers. It suggests strategies and interventions to address these challenges, including capacity building, policy reforms, and community engagement. The book also highlights the importance of collaboration between local governments, civil society, and non-governmental organizations in promoting PPB and GRB, to ensure a holistic and sustainable approach to gender-responsive budgeting.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the literature on PPB and GRB, providing a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the practices and impact of these approaches in Bangladesh. It sheds light on the potential of PPB and GRB to promote gender equality and social development, and offers practical recommendations and strategies for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers interested in advancing gender-responsive budgeting in other contexts.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367709549