GBWN focuses on comprehensive analysis using appropriate gender budgeting tools, such as gender-based policy analysis, gender budget beneficiary assessment, gender budget cost-benefit analysis, gender budget effectiveness analysis, gender budget expenditure analysis, gender budget income analysis etc. by using all the collected data and information, GBWN members develop comprehensive studies and reports that present a clear picture on the detected weaknesses of particular policies in terms of their contribution to achieving gender equality.
This activity is closely related to the above mentioned one, given that the basis for our advocacy is the findings and data obtained from the research and analysis. The research process as such must aim to contribute in achieving tangible and visible results (in example new legislation, new policies, new services, budget reallocations and tax policy assessment), and the advocacy is an opportunity for that.
Our partners and collaborators are the line ministries, primarily the regional ministries of labor and social policy as well as those of finance, but also all other ministries and government agencies in which there is a room for awareness raising, especially in regards to the public policies and programs planning on overall gender equality and equal access and utilization of resources. Municipalities are also partners in the advocacy process, given that local change and gender-budget initiatives produce visible and tangible results in short term. By making local services and policies equally accessible and adapted to the different needs of men and women, it makes the municipality inclusive, responsible and responsive to the local population and presents itself as a modern institution that offers equal treatment to all its residents. Pre-arranged meetings, group meetings, round tables, conferences, hearings, attendance at sessions and debates are just some of the tools that GBWN applies to achieve the most optimal advocacy results.
Our approach is gradual and is based on three phases:
Phase 1 – capacity building through training (explained in more detail in the section “Training”).
Our training set offers:
A) GRB training for beginners on introductory knowledge on gender-responsive budgeting and application of respective tools in terms of public policies, programs and budgets;
B) Advanced GRB training for in-depth knowledge on gender-responsive budgeting with possibility for preparing detailed analyzes and reports on fiscal implications for eventual gender related modifications in public policies and programs;
C) GRB on public procurement and public finances training for gender mainstreaming in public finances and public procurement in order to adapt these processes and provide equal access and utilization by men and women, accordingly to their different needs.
Phase 2 – mentoring support for preparing a gender budget initiative;
Phase 3 – advocacy for change based on gender budget initiatives;
GBWN is particularly pleased to work with women’s organizations, think tanks and public finance associations. However, we welcome all NGOs which are interested in GRB to join the gender-responsive family and give contribution to more equal countries in terms of gender in the Western Balkans and Republic of Moldova.
