International GRB Forum “Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-Responsive Futures”
From 10–11 December in Skopje, the Gender Budget Watchdog Network convened over 90 participants from across Europe for the International GRB Forum “Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-Responsive Futures.” The Forum created a dynamic space where global expertise met local realities, with a strong focus on climate financing through a gender-responsive lens. From the very first […]
At the European Parliament, Marija Risteska Advocates for Gender-Responsive Budgeting to Become a Rule in the Next EU Financial Framework
Regional Director of the Gender Budget Watchdog Network, Dr. Marija Risteska, addressed the Committee on Budgets at the European Parliament in Brussels: Distinguished Members of the Committee, dear colleagues, It is an honour to take part in Gender Equality Week and to contribute to this timely discussion on how the next Multiannual Financial Framework can finally make gender-responsive budgeting […]
“Gender Budgeting in the New MFF: Moving Forward?” – Policy Brief
Gender equality is a fundamental value and right of the European Union (EU) with the potential to contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The European Parliament and the Council have supported gender mainstreaming the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the EU budget. The European Commission proposed the new EU long-term budget 2028-2034 framework, which […]
Webinar: Security’ for Whom?Exploring Gender Equality in the EU’s MFF
The recent webinar, “Security’ for Whom? Exploring Gender Equality in the EU’s MFF”, brought together experts, activists, and civil society representatives to examine the intersections of militarization, security, and gender equality within the European Union. Participants explored how rising defense budgets and traditional militarized approaches often neglect human security, social justice, and the protection of […]
Photo Contest: “Gender and Climate Change through Civic Eyes”
Climate change impacts are not gender neutral. Women, men, and diverse groups experience climate risks differently due to their roles in society, access to resources, and decision-making power. Recognizing these differences is key to achieving climate justice and ensuring inclusive climate policies. The Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN) is organizing an international conference “Going Glocal […]
World Cerebral Palsy Day: Dr Emira Švraka on Disability, Gender, and Climate Change
Over fifty million people in the world live with cerebral palsy. According to the definition, it is a group of neurological conditions that affect movement and body position, caused by damage or developmental disorder of the brain at an early age. The term “cerebral” refers to the brain, and “paralysis” to a movement control disorder. […]
GRB Impact Story: Bringing Women’s Voices into Budgets in South Mitrovica
The Mitrovica Women’s Association for Human Rights (MWAHR), a member of the Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN) and a sub-grantee of the project “Gender Budgeting as a Transformative Budget Tool for Municipal Institutions” (2023–2024), has been at the forefront of promoting gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) in South Mitrovica (Kosovo). Through persistent monitoring, advocacy, and community engagement, […]
When Crisis Plans Miss Half the Story: Gender-Responsive Crisis Management in North Macedonia
When a crisis strikes, whether it’s a fire, a flood, or a pandemic, every second counts. But what happens when the very plans designed to keep people safe overlook the needs of half the population? In North Macedonia, this question became painfully clear during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency teams, task forces, and crisis management plans […]
Workshop: Mapping Opportunities for CSO participation in International Events & Planning of the Network’s Global Expansion
Between August 18 and 21, 2025, the coordinators of the Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN) gathered in the green surroundings of Vučje, Nikšić, Montenegro, for a workshop dedicated to mapping opportunities for civil society organizations (CSOs) to participate in international events and planning the global expansion of the Network. The meeting brought together representatives from […]
Savka Todorovska: Where Does GRB Fit in a Lifelong Journey of Fighting for Equality
by Mersiha Jaskic I first met Savka Todorovska in 2022, in Ohrid, when she received the Gender Budget Watchdog Network Award for her outstanding contribution to advancing gender equality. Although she is 53 years my senior, her energy immediately humbled me. Over the past few years, our paths have crossed often, bound by our shared […]