Topic: Government Budgeting
Q5. Gender-responsive budgeting remains poorly institutionalised despite its proven developmental potential. Explain the concept of gender budgeting. What structural reforms are needed to scale it across developing economies? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question:
Raised in the backdrop of UN Women’s 2025 warning on a $420 billion gender funding gap and poor budget accountability, especially highlighted at the FfD4 conference.Key demand of the question:
Explain what gender budgeting entails and outline key structural reforms needed to institutionalise it effectively in the budget systems of developing countries.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Define gender budgeting and its rationale in one line, linking it to inclusive development.Body:
- Briefly explain the concept, scope, and principles of gender budgeting.
- Suggest structural reforms like institutional integration, data systems, outcome tracking, and participatory mechanisms.
Conclusion:
Underline the need to mainstream gender budgeting to convert global commitments into measurable equity outcomes.
