The integration of gender equality into public policies has been one of the key principles adopted by various international organizations since the mid-1990s, facilitated by the global dissemination of a range of policy tools and frameworks. UN institutions have emerged as pivotal actors in advocating for and guiding the dissemination of gender responsive budgeting (GRB) as one of the strategic gender-sensitive approaches at both central and local government levels. This article examines the role of UN Women (UNW) in enabling GRB in Türkiye since the late 2000s, focusing on the experiences of the municipalities that have collaborated with UNW on GRB projects. It does so by applying a novel framework developed to identify forms of policy transfer. Drawing on qualitative data from the research conducted with experts from the four partner municipalities in UNW's GRB project in Türkiye, the study finds that UNW has played a key role as an initiator and mediator in embedding GRB at the local level, acting as a catalyst in empowering the practitioners at municipalities in their GRB work. The findings also reveal a diverse spectrum of transmission modalities, including enforcement mechanisms, learning processes, and context-specific adaptations, albeit with persistent challenges and constraints.
Policy implications
- The institutionalization of GRB requires a robust procedural framework implemented by national governments to ensure effective adoption at the local level. Without such foundational measures, the support and expertise provided by IOs, including UN Women, may have limited impact.
- To sustain a long-term commitment to gender equality, it is essential to establish well-defined monitoring mechanisms and assessment frameworks. Given the vital role assigned to participation in the GRB approach and the influence of civil society enforcement in translating policy at the local level, NGOs -recognized as essential contributors in this structure- should be further empowered.
- IOs must adapt their policy translation strategies to the specific social, administrative, and cultural contexts of local settings. Additionally, fostering networks among national and international stakeholders, particularly within GRB projects, is crucial for operationalizing peer-learning mechanisms.
- The role of UN Women as a key agent in transmitting and monitoring global norms should be further strengthened to support the continued advancement of GRB practices.
Photo by Murat Ak