SECTION 4.3 – PARTICIPATORY ENGAGEMENT METHODS: ENTRY POINTS FOR CSOS IN THE EX-POST GRB
Overview: This section explores entry points for civil society during the execution phase of the budget as well as the audit/oversight phase. Participants will gain insights into tracking budget promises and accountability for gender commitments at the execution phase, and to both Supreme Audit Institution and parliamentary oversight processes during the audit/ oversight phase.
Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) during Budget Implementation
- As noted in the previous module, GRB incorporates a gender perspective across the four stages of the budget cycle to assess how the budget “will address the gender-specific needs of the population (O’Donnell 2023:5).”
- The focus of GRB thus far has largely been on increasing the gender responsiveness of budget allocations; however, changes to sector and program allocations during budget implementation often adversely affect women and girls.
- IBP’s work exploring the connections between budget credibility and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals has found that, “gender spending is deprioritized during budget implementation (ibid).” For example, gender-related allocations are underspent by about 15 percent on average. Research by IBP has also found that ministries often underspend gender budgets. In Gambia, Nigeria, and Zambia, for example, only roughly half of the budget for gender ministries or programs from 2018 – 2020 was spent (ibid).
- Civil society can play an important role in monitoring budget implementation through a budget lens (O’Donnell 2023:10). The specific approach that civil society organizations may take depends on the extent to which information is publicly available and government budgets incorporate a gender perspective.
- An example from Mexico highlights the importance of monitoring actual versus projected spending to assess the extent to which the government is upholding its commitments (O’Donnell 2023:12).
- By monitoring and analyzing implementation of the federal budget, Fundar, a Mexican CSO, found that funds intended to address gender inequities were not being used for their intended purpose.
- Fundar’s analysis of budget reallocations showed that during budget implementation funds were being diverted from programs aimed at narrowing gender gaps.
- Fundar also showed that the government was inappropriately tagging programs without a gender element.
- Fundar’s analysis was aided by a government database that presents allocations with a gender component by ministry, program, and other expenditure categories.
- The experience of civil society groups engaged in gender-responsive budgeting confirms the benefits of partnering with other stakeholders. Civil society organizations can collaborate with other organizations, communities, think tanks, the media, and parliament to amplify the findings from their analysis, including gaps between budget allocations and actual spending on gender-responsive programs. Parliamentary committees and caucuses can collaborate with civil society to analyze and report on the gender impacts of public spending and offer recommendations for where funds should be reallocated to support gender-equitable outcomes (O’Donnel 2023:25).
How the Public Can Participate in Parliamentary Scrutiny of SAI Reports:
Public participation during parliamentary hearings on Audit Reports:
- As noted earlier, legislatures often establish oversight or public accounts committees responsible for scrutinizing the Audit Report on the annual budget, produced by the SAI. These committees organize hearings on audit findings at which executive officials may be asked to testify. According to good practice, committees should publish a report with findings and recommendations.
- In addition, to promote transparency and accountability, legislatures may establish opportunities for members of the public to testify during these hearings or put in place other mechanisms to collect public views on the audit report (for example, soliciting written submissions). Opening hearings on the Audit Report to the public creates opportunities for the public to learn about how the government has managed public funds during the budget year and demands accountability in instances of mismanagement (OBS 2024b:153).
- Unfortunately, far too few legislatures created opportunities for public participation during their review of the audit report. The OBS 2023 indicated that the percentage of legislatures with participation mechanisms during the review of the audit report declined from 15 percent in 2021 to 11 percent in 2023.
Example/Video:
Watch this video showcasing effective CSO strategies in supporting GRB through advocacy and collaboration.
Human Coined Podcast, Ep. 25, 19:41 – 25:40 Here is a clip detailing a case example in Argentina based on gender based violence, unfulfilled government promised reform, and CSO involvement.
Questions on gender responsive auditing:
Your answers will be shared with the other e-course participants.
- What information is needed for your organization to monitor implementation of gender-responsive allocations?
- Does your government already publish this information? Is this information easily accessible/digestible?
- Is the information useful? Is it timely?
- Does your SAI undertake gender-responsive audits? How do you know?
- How can your organization work with parliament and other stakeholders to support the review of gender responsive audits?
Upload your answers in the comment box provided below
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November 30, 2024
Quels renseignements votre organisation a-t-elle besoin pour surveiller la mise en œuvre des allocations tenant compte du genre ?
Le budget prévu à cet effet(budget du genre
Les rapport trimestrielles des dépenses,
La loi de règlements et le rapport de la cours des comptes
Votre gouvernement publie-t-il déjà cette information ?
Oui à travers le respect du budget programme qui exige que des rapports trimestriels soient publié sur le site gouvernemental
Ces informations sont-elles facilement accessibles/digestes ?
Elles sont accessibles ,mais pas digestes du fait que le gouvernement ne les désagrègent pas, donc il faut fournir un effort retrouver les informations du genre dans le lots des informations générales
L’information est-elle utile ?
Oui elle permet de disposer des information sures pour faire le plaidoyer en faveur de la prise en compte du genre les politiques publiques
Est-ce opportun ?
Oui
Votre ISC entreprend-elle des audits sensibles au genre ?
Non
Comment le sais-tu?
j’assiste aux séances des restitutions des travaux d’audit cde cette cours et nous nous procurons chaque année son rapport
Comment votre organisation peut-elle travailler avec le Parlement et d’autres intervenants pour soutenir l’examen des audits tenant compte du genre ?
En créant des alliances avec les autres acteurs comme les parlements ,les médias -
December 3, 2024
To effectively monitor the implementation of gender-responsive allocations, my organization will need the following information:
1. Detailed breakdown of budget allocations for gender-specific programs and initiatives.
2. Specific plans and timelines for how these allocations will be used.
3. Regular updates on the progress of these programs, including milestones achieved and challenges faced.
4. Detailed financial statements showing actual expenditures against the allocated budget.
5. Reports on the impact of these programs on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Availability and Accessibility of Information
Ministry of Finance and Economic Development provides sectoral research papers and policy briefs on gender. However, the accessibility and digestibility of this information can vary. Some reports are technical and may not be easily understood by the general public.
Usefulness and Timeliness of Information
The usefulness of the information depends on its relevance and comprehensiveness. Timely information is crucial for effective monitoring and advocacy. Delays in publishing reports can hinder the ability of CSOs to hold the government accountable.
Gender-Responsive Audits by SAI
The Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL), as the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI), has a mandate to promote accountability and good governance through audit activities. However, only a small percentage of SAIs globally, including Sierra Leone, have committed to integrating gender issues into their audits. This indicates a need for capacity building and more systematic efforts to mainstream gender in audit processes.
Working with Parliament and Other Stakeholders
organizations can work with Parliament and other stakeholders to support the review of gender-responsive audits by:
1. Collaborating with Parliamentary Committees: Provide technical support and analysis to parliamentary committees responsible for budget oversight.
2. Engaging in Public Hearings: Participate in public hearings to present findings and advocate for gender-responsive budgeting.
3. Building Coalitions: Form alliances with other CSOs, women’s groups, and international organizations to amplify your voice.
4. Advocacy Campaigns: Use media and public campaigns to raise awareness and push for gender-responsive budgeting and auditing. -
December 4, 2024
For Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to effectively monitor the implementation of gender-responsive allocations in budgets, they need comprehensive and specific information to assess whether public funds are being spent in ways that promote gender equality. The goal is to ensure that the budget supports programs and policies that address the different needs, priorities, and challenges faced by men, women, and other gender groups.
Gender-Related Policy Documents
National Gender Equality Policies: Information on government policies or frameworks that define gender equality priorities, such as national gender action plans or strategies. These documents help CSOs understand the government’s commitment to gender equality.
Sectoral Gender Strategies: Gender-specific plans within sectors like education, health, agriculture, or social protection, which provide the foundation for budget allocations targeting gender equality.
Program Design and Objectives
Program Budget Justifications: Documentation that explains the purpose of specific programs and how they are intended to meet gender equality objectives. CSOs need to see whether gender-related goals are incorporated into program goals and outcomes.
Gender-Specific Indicators and Targets: Clear, measurable indicators that specify gender-related outcomes, such as women’s participation rates, access to services, or gender-disaggregated data on beneficiaries.
Gender-Responsive Expenditure Plans: Detailed plans that show how funds are distributed to achieve gender equality objectives and meet specific targets. -
December 5, 2024
A. To effectively monitor the implementation of gender-responsive allocations, a law firm would need the following information:
1. Gender Budget Statements, which provide detailed allocations and spending on gender-specific programs or initiatives, indicating how resources are distributed across sectors to promote gender equality.
2. Performance Reports and Audit Findings showing how allocated funds have been used, whether the outcomes are gender-responsive, and if objectives were met. Reports may come from ministries or independent audit bodies.
3. Documents detailing the country’s gender equality commitments, such as the National Gender Policy, that guide budgetary decisions.
4. Legislative and Parliamentary Records including debates, committee reviews, and resolutions related to gender budgeting and accountability.
5. Reports from government agencies or civil society organizations tracking the progress of gender-responsive programs.B. Whether the Kenyan Government Publish This Information
Yes, the Kenyan government publishes gender-responsive budget information through Gender Budget Statement (GBS) which is part of the national budget and is released by the Ministry of Finance.
C. Whether the Information is Timely and Useful
The information is useful for tracking government commitment to gender equality and ensuring that gender-sensitive initiatives are funded. It then becomes easy to identify gaps, prioritize resources, and evaluate the effectiveness of gender policies.
On timeliness, this information is typically published as part of the national budget cycle, which can be annual. However, it may not always be updated in real-time or reflect immediate shifts in gender equality priorities, potentially delaying timely interventions.D. Whether Kenya’s Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) Undertake Gender-Responsive Audits
Through the Office of the Auditor General, Kenya has increasingly focused on gender-responsive audits. The OAG has undertaken audits that examine whether government programs and funds align with gender equity objectives, ensuring that allocated resources are being effectively used to promote gender equality. This can be seen in audits that review how government spending in sectors like education, health, and agriculture is addressing gender disparities.
D. How Can a Law Firm Work with Parliament and Other Stakeholders to Support the Review of Gender-Responsive Audits
A law firm can play a key role in supporting the review and monitoring of gender-responsive audits by collaborating with parliament, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders through advocacy and legal expertise, working with parliamentary committees (such as those focused on finance or gender) by submitting reports, holding consultations, and offering legal opinions to improve budgetary oversight, particularly on gender equality; and Collaboration with CSOs to monitor the implementation of gender-responsive programs, provide legal advice, and help ensure that the information is accessible to the public; and conducting training and capacity building.
Through these efforts, a law firm can be instrumental in promoting transparency, accountability, and effective gender budgeting within Kenya’s legislative and audit processes.
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December 5, 2024
Notre organisation a juste besoin pour suivre la mise en œuvre des allocations tenant compte des sexospécificités informations suivantes: Des plans et des calendriers spécifiques sur la façon dont ces allocations seront utilisées; Le budget sensible au genre; Les rapport trimestrielles des dépenses; La loi de règlements et le rapport de la cours des comptes.
– Le gouvernement Camerounais publie déjà certaines informations à travers le ministère des Ministère des Finances (MINFI). Ces informations sont facilement accessibles/digérables aux citoyens à travers publication des Cadres de Dépenses à Moyen Terme (CDMT) et les annexes de la loi des finances.
– Oui l’information est très utile pour les populations et surtout les organisations de la société civile pour faire le plaidoyer en faveur de la prise en compte du genre les politiques publiques, même si elle n’est pas toujours d’actualité, les retards dans la publication des rapports peuvent entraver la capacité des OSC à demander des comptes au gouvernement.
– Oui notre ISC effectue des audits tenant compte des questions de genre à travers le dernier d’audit de la chambre des comptes sur les entreprises qui ont gagné les marchés COVID par exemple; les audits qui examinent la manière dont les dépenses publiques dans des secteurs?
Oui, notre organisation peut travailler avec le parlement et d’autres parties prenantes pour soutenir l’examen des audits tenant compte des questions de genre par les consultations préliminaires avec le parlement et faire le suivi ou le contrôle citoyen de l’action public, Proposer les évaluations et des rapports alternatives.
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December 7, 2024
1 What information is needed for your organization to monitor implementation of gender response allocations?
Answer
When implementing gender response allocations information that may be needed for monitoring includes
I) Stakeholders Consultation – information from initial consultation with stakeholders can be used to inform the design of a project
Ii) Gender Analysis – gender analysis for similar projects and programs can help inform the projects gender specific social cultural and legal context
III)Literature Review – literature review and desk studies can help the projec Quarantine and IV)Qualitative Data – information on the type and scope of gender mainstreaming activities needed may be required
v) Technical and FInancial Collaboration – technical and financial collaboration between my organization and other actors in the budget process can help collect data and statistics
vi) Civil Society Organisation – participation of civil society organizations can help collect data and statistics.Gender Response Approaches examine and address gender norms roles and inequalities. They also seek to promote gender equality and empower women in their households and communities
2. Does your organization already publish this information? Is this information easily accessible/digestible?
Answer
No3. Is the information useful? Is it timely?
Answer
No4. Does your SAI undertake gender response audits? How do you know?
Answer
Yes. The Audit Services Sierra Leone is responsible for all the auditing in the country.5. How can your organization work with parliament and other stakeholders to support the review of gender response audits?
Answer
My organization will work with parliament and other actors in budget processes through the following:
– holding regular sessions with parliament on gender response allocations
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