Uzbekistan launches project to introduce gender-based budgeting

Uzbekistan has launched a project to introduce gender — based budgeting (GB), a new system for planning and allocating public finances based on the principles of gender equality. The initiative was launched at the end of May this year with the support of UN Women and the European Union. This was reported by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Gender-based budgeting is a strategic approach to public resource management that prioritizes equal access to benefits and opportunities for women and men. This mechanism involves the integration of gender analysis into budget formation and execution, program development and expenditure allocation, and subsequent audit.

The goal of GB implementation is to create a fairer and more efficient funding system that takes into account the needs of different social groups, regardless of gender. This, according to experts, will increase the targeting of public spending, reduce social inequality and ensure sustainable development in the social and economic spheres.

The project will focus on integrating gender analysis in the early stages of planning. This approach will help to better identify the challenges and barriers faced by women and men in various sectors-from education and health to employment and entrepreneurship-and formulate targeted measures to overcome them.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance stressed that the introduction of the GB system will ensure state budgeting not only greater transparency, but also inclusiveness. The result should be to strengthen citizens ' trust in the authorities and create a more sustainable model of social development based on equality and justice.

Introduction of gender budgeting is considered as one of the elements of modern public finance management reform that meets international standards and best practices. Uzbekistan, which has become a participant in this initiative, is taking an important step towards improving the effectiveness of state programs and deepening social policy.