Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) in Western Balkans between aspirations and reality

Abstract

Abstract This paper aims to discuss the current situation on GRB as a tool to make budgets gender-responsive and achieve gender equality in Western Balkans. Apart from exploring the gap between the aspiration in implementing the GRB instruments and tools from one side and the obstacles encountered which are bound to be specific for any country or region. The general method used is the conceptual analyses as well as content analyses will be starting points when scrutinizing policy-papers that policymakers as well as programs of UN, UN Woman, EU and other foreign agencies are trying to implement in WB. Despite numerous gender policies having been adopted in Western Balkans over the last few decades, significant gender inequalities are persisting and there are gender policy implementation gaps. The paper concludes that there is a need to have sound laws and policies that meet the equivalent demand to implement them. Integrated GRB initiatives with gender equality goals could provide the basis for better gender equality outcomes and ownership from the central and local government administration, which is crucial in the long term and sustainable gender equality.