Gender Budgeting

Gender equality is a fundamental principle of the EU. It is also laden with socioeconomic benefits. Research affirms that reducing gender inequality has a plethora of positive effects, leading to greater economic growth, more jobs, healthier children, better labour productivity and more responsive governments^[1]. While economic growth can have positive effects on women’s economic status, advancing inclusivity and gender equality require that robust gender analysis informs economic policy decisions.^[2]

Watch these two videos to better understand the economic benefits of gender equality. You can choose subtitles in your own language:

Economic benefits of gender equality: science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)^[3]

Economic benefits of gender equality: labour market activity and equal pay^[4]

Gender budgeting brings into focus the process of allocating resources as part of decision-making on policy priorities, implementing policy actions and evaluating outcomes. Applying gender budgeting means using a range of gender analysis and assessment tools, which are set out in detail later in this toolkit. These give policy-makers a better understanding of the differences in women’s and men’s lives, as well as how and why they use services, resources and their time differently. The video below offers a snapshot of how a gender budgeting approach enriches analysis and decisions on how to use public resources. Simply put, gender budgeting contributes to achieving gender equality, improving the population’s well-being, and spearheading more sustainable, inclusive growth and employment.^[5]

To better understand the concept of gender budgeting in practice, watch this video on sustainable gender equality and budgeting by the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions.^[6]

Footnotes