Genre Et Finances Publiques

The intersection of gender and public finance, often referred to as “genre et finances publiques” (gender and public finance) or gender-responsive budgeting (GRB), examines how government revenue collection and expenditure impact women, men, and individuals of diverse gender identities differently. It moves beyond the assumption that budgets are gender-neutral and instead recognizes that fiscal policies can perpetuate or mitigate existing gender inequalities.

Traditionally, public finance focused on macroeconomic stability, efficiency, and equity without explicitly considering gender. However, this approach often overlooks the different roles, responsibilities, and needs of individuals based on gender. For example, women disproportionately shoulder the burden of unpaid care work, which affects their participation in the formal labor market and access to economic resources. Public spending on childcare, eldercare, and healthcare can alleviate this burden and promote gender equality.

Gender-responsive budgeting is not about creating separate budgets for women. Instead, it involves analyzing the gendered impacts of all budgetary policies. This analysis can reveal how existing policies reinforce disparities or identify opportunities to promote equality through targeted interventions. The GRB process typically involves several steps:

• Gender Analysis: Assessing the gendered dimensions of societal problems and needs in a specific sector or policy area.
• Budget Analysis: Examining the existing budget allocations and their potential impact on different gender groups.
• Policy Formulation: Developing policies and programs that address gender inequalities and promote gender equality.
• Budget Formulation: Allocating resources in a way that supports the implementation of gender-responsive policies.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Tracking the progress of gender-responsive programs and policies and evaluating their impact.

The benefits of integrating gender into public finance are manifold. Firstly, it promotes greater equity and social justice by ensuring that government resources are allocated in a way that benefits all members of society. Secondly, it can improve economic efficiency by addressing gender-based constraints on productivity and participation in the workforce. For example, investing in women’s education and skills development can boost economic growth. Thirdly, it enhances the effectiveness of public services by tailoring them to the specific needs of different gender groups.

Several countries and organizations have adopted GRB initiatives. These initiatives vary in scope and ambition, ranging from gender audits of existing budgets to the development of comprehensive gender equality strategies. Examples include gender budgeting in Austria, Sweden, and South Africa, as well as the work of international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.

Despite progress in this field, challenges remain. These include a lack of political will, insufficient data and analytical capacity, and resistance from entrenched interests. Overcoming these challenges requires a concerted effort from policymakers, researchers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. By integrating gender into public finance, governments can create more equitable, efficient, and effective policies that benefit all citizens.