Introduction

In an increasingly interconnected world, the allocation of public funds holds immense power to either perpetuate existing inequalities or actively drive progress towards a more equitable society. Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) is a transformative approach that moves beyond gender-neutral assumptions to systematically analyze how government revenues and expenditures impact women, men, and diverse gender identities differently. By integrating a gender perspective into public finance management (PFM), governments can identify and address disparities, ensuring that national budgets become powerful tools for promoting gender equality, human rights, and sustainable development. This essential training course focuses on Gender Responsive Budgeting and Public Finance, equipping participants with the expertise to champion equitable resource allocation.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip professionals with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to implement Gender Responsive Budgeting effectively within public finance frameworks. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of how to conduct gender analysis of budgets, integrate gender perspectives into planning and programming, and track gender-responsive expenditures. The course will delve into current best practices, case studies from diverse national contexts, and strategies for overcoming common challenges in GRB implementation. By mastering the principles and methodologies of gender responsive budgeting and public finance, participants will be empowered to design and advocate for fiscal policies that are truly inclusive, transformative, and contribute to equitable development outcomes for all.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Government Officials (Ministry of Finance, Planning, Line Ministries)
• Parliamentarians and Legislative Staff
• Civil Society Organizations and Gender Advocates
• Development Practitioners and Program Managers
• Economists and Public Finance Specialists
• Researchers and Academics in Public Policy
• Local Government Officials
• Auditors and Accountability Institutions

Course Objectives

• Understand the core concepts of gender responsive budgeting (GRB).
• Analyze the gendered impact of public revenues and expenditures.
• Integrate a gender perspective across all stages of the budget cycle.
• Master tools and methodologies for conducting gender analysis of budgets.
• Develop gender-responsive indicators for public programs and policies.
• Learn to track and report on gender-sensitive budget allocations.
• Identify and address challenges in GRB implementation and institutionalization.
• Explore international best practices and case studies in GRB.
• Enhance advocacy and communication skills for promoting GRB.
• Comprehend the linkages between GRB and national/international gender equality commitments.
• Formulate an action plan for applying GRB in their professional context.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Gender Responsive Budgeting

• Defining gender responsive budgeting (GRB) and its rationale.
• Evolution of GRB: historical context and global movements.
• GRB as a tool for gender equality and sustainable development.
• Differentiating GRB from women's budgets or targeted programs.
• Key concepts: gender neutrality, gender blindness, gender sensitivity.

Module 2: Public Finance Management and the Budget Cycle

• Overview of the public finance management (PFM) system.
• Stages of the budget cycle: formulation, approval, execution, audit.
• How public revenues (taxation) and expenditures affect different genders.
• Understanding fiscal policy and its gendered implications.
• Role of various actors in the budget process.

Module 3: Gender Analysis of Public Budgets

• Methodologies for conducting gender budget analysis.
• Identifying direct and indirect gender impacts of policies and programs.
• Analyzing expenditures from a gender perspective (e.g., social sectors, infrastructure).
• Examining revenue policies and their differentiated gender effects.
• Using sex-disaggregated data and gender statistics for analysis.

Module 4: Integrating Gender in Budget Formulation

• Gender mainstreaming in budget circulars and guidelines.
• Developing gender-responsive budget proposals.
• Setting gender-sensitive objectives and targets in ministerial plans.
• Prioritizing investments that address gender gaps.
• Tools for costing gender equality initiatives.

Module 5: Gender-Responsive Budget Execution and Tracking

• Ensuring effective allocation and utilization of gender-responsive funds.
• Monitoring expenditure patterns from a gender perspective.
• Preventing budget cuts on gender-sensitive programs.
• Developing systems for tracking gender expenditures.
• Addressing bottlenecks in budget execution for gender equality.

Module 6: Gender-Sensitive Monitoring, Evaluation, and Auditing

• Designing gender-responsive performance indicators for public services.
• Collecting and analyzing gender-disaggregated performance data.
• Conducting gender-sensitive audits of public spending.
• Reporting on gender outcomes and impacts.
• Enhancing accountability for gender equality commitments.

Module 7: Institutionalizing GRB and Building Capacity

• Establishing institutional mechanisms for GRB (e.g., gender focal points, GRB units).
• Role of political will and leadership in GRB implementation.
• Building capacity of public officials in GRB concepts and tools.
• Fostering inter-ministerial coordination for GRB.
• Developing legal and regulatory frameworks to support GRB.

Module 8: Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement in GRB

• Role of civil society organizations and gender advocates in GRB.
• Strategies for advocacy and lobbying for gender-responsive budgets.
• Engaging parliamentarians and legislative bodies in GRB oversight.
• Public participation in budget processes: ensuring inclusive voices.
• Communicating GRB findings and impact to diverse audiences.

Module 9: Global Best Practices and Emerging Issues in GRB

• Case studies of successful GRB implementation from various countries.
• Challenges and lessons learned from international experiences.
• Linkages between GRB and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Gender responsive budgeting in crisis and recovery contexts.
• Future trends in public finance and gender equality.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training