A gender-blind approach to the national budget generates an incomplete picture of its impact on all sectors of the population, may disadvantage women and ultimately hinders policy effectiveness. The budget is by far the most important legislative act that any parliament adopts in the course of the year. It involves taxation of the people and using the taxpayers' money for the good of the people. It is also the most important policy statement that a government adopts in which it sets out its programme to govern the people.
Twelve European parliaments met in Geneva from 19 to 21 September to discuss parliament’s role in developing and implementing gender-sensitive budgets. This seminar, organized by the IPU, was the seventh in a series of regional meetings for parliamentarians which aim to strengthen parliaments' capacity to contribute effectively to the budgetary process, with a specific focus on gender. In their discussions, participants highlighted that the budget was not only about figures but first and foremost about people and their needs.
Who better than MPs know what the people need and can make sure that those needs are well reflected in the budget? Who better than MPs must ensure that budgets respond to the specific needs of men and women on an equal basis?
During the three-day meeting, members of parliament discussed ways and means of developing gender-sensitive budgets. Debates highlighted the challenges ahead and the need for strong political will, adequate resources and support, and considerable sensitization to implement such a practice. Gender-sensitive budgeting implies an entirely new way of looking at the economy, as some participants said. In particular, it requires reassessing the role of women in the economy and in society. It also calls on legislators and governments to identify and pay particular attention to the different impact of economic measures on men and women.
Participants recognized that more action in this field was needed and committed themselves to pursue action. Gender-sensitive budgets respond not only to the imperative of gender equality but is a tool for economic efficiency.
To assist them in their task, a handbook for Parliamentarians on “Parliament, Budget and Gender”, produced jointly by the IPU, UNDP, UNIFEM and the World Bank Institute (WBI), was distributed to participants.
