The Gender Budget Watchdog Network gathered in Kruševo for a dynamic three-day workshop aimed at enhancing the quality, accountability, and impact of its work. Members from across the Western Balkans and Moldova came together to co-develop shared standards that will guide the Network’s ongoing efforts in gender-responsive budgeting and advocacy.
Day 1: Grounding in Global Accountability
The workshop began with a collective exploration of the 12 Commitments of the Global Standard for CSO Accountability. Participants discussed how these principles—such as transparency, responsiveness, and participation—could be adapted to GBWN’s regional context and mission. By the end of the day, members had co-created a draft set of GBWN Quality Standards rooted in the values that define our work: transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and integrity.
A special thanks to Mayor Tome Hristoski for his warm welcome and continued support of GBWN’s vision for a more gender-equal region.
Day 2: Research Excellence for Gender Equality
The day started with a cultural exploration of Kruševo’s historic landmarks, including the iconic Makedonium Monument and the gallery of the renowned artist Nikola Martinovski, hosted by the Centre for Human Relations. In the afternoon, the second day focused on GRB research and policy brief was dedicated to setting quality standards for research and analysis—key tools in GBWN’s approach to gender-responsive budgeting. Members worked to define a shared framework for credible, ethical, and participatory research. The principles developed include methodological rigor, mission alignment, transparency in data use, and inclusive practices that center diverse community voices. The outcome was a draft list of research quality principles designed to strengthen the integrity, relevance, and impact of GBWN’s work across all member countries.
Day 3: Defining Advocacy Quality Standards
The final day focused one of the core strengths of GBWN: advocacy. Through collaborative discussion, members developed a draft set of standards to guide advocacy practices across the Network. These standards emphasize ethical and inclusive approaches, clarity of purpose, alignment with GBWN’s strategic goals, and a commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized groups. The aim is to ensure that all GBWN advocacy efforts remain impactful, evidence-informed, and values-driven.
This three-day workshop marks a significant step toward a more unified and resilient GBWN, equipped with common standards to drive meaningful change and gender equality across the region.
