Gender Budgeting from Theory to Action

What is the aim of this project?

This project aims to support greater use of gender budgeting tools in local decision making in Scotland to reduce inequalities. The project will do this through two routes: supporting capacity building and awareness raising within Local Authorities; and directly working with women and civil society organisations.

Our aim over the course of this project is to work with five Local Authorities to embed intersectional gender budget analysis within decision making processes through a series of bespoke training and mentoring support in order to reduce inequalities in local areas.

This project has been developed by learning from best practice examples across the UK and internationally.

Over the course of the next three years we will work with women, women’s rights organisations and others in civil society to use gender budget analysis tools to support local and national campaigning efforts that seek to reduce inequalities. We will offer a range of participatory training and workshops tailored to fit the groups needs, facilitating spaces for groups to come together and share knowledge and develop campaigns.

Why is this project important?

Women are facing a rising tide of poverty which highlights the importance of an intersectional gendered response to the economic crisis and recovery packages put in place in response to Covid-19. Research into the impact of Covid-19 on women shows that, without mitigating action, the pandemic has the potential to reverse gender equality gains and reinforce women’s pre-existing inequality.

Strengthening understanding of gender budgeting processes and embedding these across government in Scotland will help ensure challenging inequalities is at the forefront of decision making. It will help shape social and economic recovery that delivers a fairer and stronger economy.

The voices of women are a critical part of this process. Engender’s most recent Sex and Power report, demonstrates the lack of representation of women as elected members in local authorities, women made up only 23% of local councillors despite accounting for 52% of Scotland’s population. It is crucial that there is increased awareness and understanding for elected members and officials, as without this institutional bias of male dominated policy and decision-making will likely continue to be built into the decision-making process.

How can you get involved?

If you are an individual interested in finding out more about gender budget analysis and how to use this in campaign please join our mailing list to hear the latest opportunities or follow us on Twitter.

If you are a Councillor or work for a Local Authority and would like to find out more about our training offer please contact Heather Williams.

If you work or volunteer with a community group, women’s rights organisation or other third sector organisation and would like to organise tailored group training/workshops please contact Heather Williams.

This project is funded by: