Gender-Responsive Budgeting in Practice: Lessons from Nigeria and Selected Developing Countries

Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) is a development tool that examines how government funding supports gender equality goals and targets. However, it has seen limited progress in developing countries, with the contributors identifying critical success factors that must be enacted to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Format: Hardback
Length: 410 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Gender responsive budgeting (GRB) has emerged as a crucial development tool in the twenty-first century, seeking to assess the extent to which government funding supports gender equality goals and targets. While the rationale behind GRB is rooted in the significant costs of gender inequality to economic growth and development, its effectiveness in advancing global and regional gender equality goals has remained limited, particularly in developing countries. In their book, Gender Responsive Budgeting in Practice: Lessons from Nigeria and Selected Developing Countries, the contributors delve into the challenges faced by GRB in these contexts. Through a comprehensive analysis of budgets and the budgeting process in Nigeria from 2000 to 2020, the authors aim to identify the factors contributing to the limited success of GRB in developing countries. By examining these factors, the contributors propose critical success factors that must be implemented to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The book begins by acknowledging the importance of gender equality in achieving sustainable development. It highlights the disproportionate impact of gender inequality on women, particularly in terms of access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Gender inequality not only hinders individual well-being but also impedes economic growth and development. Recognizing this, GRB emerged as a tool to address these challenges and promote gender equality.

However, the use of GRB as a tool to further global and regional gender equality goals has seen limited progress in the twenty-first century, especially in developing countries. The contributors argue that while the high costs of gender inequality justify the use of GRB, the lack of effective implementation and monitoring mechanisms has hindered its success. They note that GRB often fails to prioritize gender issues, resulting in a lack of funding and resources allocated to address gender inequalities.

Furthermore, the contributors argue that the lack of political will and commitment to gender equality is a significant factor contributing to the limited success of GRB. They suggest that policymakers and decision-makers need to be more proactive in promoting gender equality and ensuring that gender considerations are integrated into all aspects of government funding.

To address these challenges, the book proposes several critical success factors that must be enacted in developing countries to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development. These factors include:

Gender mainstreaming: Gender mainstreaming involves integrating gender considerations into all aspects of government planning, budgeting, and implementation processes. It requires the involvement of both men and women in decision-making and ensures that gender equality goals are reflected in all policies and programs.

Budget allocation: Budget allocation is a critical aspect of GRB. Governments need to allocate sufficient resources to address gender inequalities, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. This requires a shift in mindset, where gender equality is seen as an investment in sustainable development rather than a cost.

Gender-responsive policies: Gender-responsive policies involve the development and implementation of policies that specifically address gender inequalities. These policies should be tailored to the unique needs and challenges faced by women and girls, and should promote their participation in all aspects of society.

Monitoring and evaluation: Monitoring and evaluation are essential to assess the effectiveness of GRB. Governments need to establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the progress of gender equality goals and ensure that resources are allocated appropriately. This requires a commitment to transparency and accountability in the budgeting process.

Collaboration and partnerships: Collaboration and partnerships are crucial in promoting gender equality. Governments need to engage with civil society and social organizations, as well as the private sector, to promote gender equality and ensure that their voices and perspectives are heard in decision-making processes.

In conclusion, Gender Responsive Budgeting in Practice: Lessons from Nigeria and Selected Developing Countries provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by GRB in developing countries. The book highlights the importance of gender equality in achieving sustainable development and proposes critical success factors that must be enacted to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development. By integrating gender considerations into all aspects of government planning, budgeting, and implementation processes, allocating sufficient resources to address gender inequalities, developing and implementing gender-responsive policies, establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and engaging with civil society and social organizations, governments can promote gender equality and achieve sustainable development.

Weight: 712g
Dimension: 227 x 161 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793652669