From Budgeting to Impact: Good Municipal Practices from Gender-Responsive Policymaking and Budgeting

In the first phase of the project “Promoting Gender Responsive Policies and Budgets: Towards Transparent, Inclusive and Accountable Governance in the Republic of North Macedonia,” UN Women collaborated with 31 municipalities in North Macedonia to enhance the lives of women and men from various backgrounds. By mentoring and supporting local governments, civil society organizations and local women, the project has facilitated the design, implementation, and monitoring of gender-responsive budgets and policies. Coordinators for Equal Opportunities in municipalities play a key role in promoting gender equality and mainstreaming gender in local policymaking, with training and mentoring from UN Women. This publication shares success stories that highlight the real impact of GRB in various communities. Five stories from municipalities supported by UN Women over the past four years highlight how GRB has addressed gender inequalities, improving resource distribution and service delivery for women, men, and vulnerable groups. These first-hand experiences offer valuable insights and inspiration for policymakers, practitioners, and advocates committed to advancing gender equality and empowering women through more inclusive budgeting and decision-making. The project will now extend its impact, continuing to work with these municipalities and expanding to include 10 more in its second phase.