Advocating for Gender Mainstreaming in State Operations

Gender mainstreaming in state operations involves considering the impact on women and men and addressing gender inequalities in policy-making, legislation, and budgeting processes. The National Assembly Speaker emphasized the crucial role of parliaments in promoting gender-sensitive budgeting and promoting equality. While progress has been made, challenges still exist, and parliaments must take action to advocate for gender equity and create societies where women and girls can live free from poverty and associated social issues. The call to action is for parliaments to step up and utilize their influence to turn the tide of gender inequality towards greater economic prosperity for all.

What is Gender Mainstreaming in State Operations?

Gender mainstreaming in state operations refers to incorporating a gender perspective in policy-making, legislation, and budgeting processes. It involves ensuring that all policies and decisions consider the impact on women and men and address gender inequalities. The role of parliaments is crucial in advocating for gender-sensitive budgeting and promoting equality. Despite progress, there are still challenges in achieving gender mainstreaming, and parliaments must take action to promote gender equity.

On the break of dawn on March 13, 2024, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the National Assembly Speaker, grabbed the attention of those in the Parliament. A figure of authority, she passionately expressed the urgent requirement to uphold democracy and promote gender mainstreaming, particularly in the economic sector.

This passionate appeal took place during a moderated discussion facilitated by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women). The event, spanning two weeks and culminating on March 22, marked the 68th Session (CSW68). The theme, “Gender-sensitive parliaments: Advancing gender equality to end poverty,” aimed to incorporate the perspective of parliaments in conversations centered around women’s issues.

The Role of Parliaments in Gender Equality

Ms Mapisa-Nqakula drew attention to parliaments as the mirror reflecting citizens’ desires and dreams. With women forming the majority of the world’s population, she emphasized the requirement for strong representation in democratic systems to empower women and girls. “This significant demographic reality necessitates that our democratic systems robustly represent the empowerment of women and girls. This representation should be the catalyst for their progress and development,” she stated assertively.

Highlighting the authority that legislatures possess, the Speaker encouraged them to harness it to promote equality. She suggested they advocate for gender-sensitive budgeting within the governmental structures. “Parliaments, as the creators of governments, should leverage the majority female electorate to advocate for budgets that protect women’s interests,” she put forward.

Challenges and Future Directions in Gender Mainstreaming

Addressing the longstanding issues of patriarchy, gender-based discrimination, and the exclusion of women, the Speaker expressed regret that changing this entrenched norm requires efforts beyond the present. She implored the women parliamentarians present at the CSW68 session to exercise their majority voting power against budgets that are indifferent to women’s challenges, until governments start taking action.

While she acknowledged the progress made through equal representation of women in African parliaments and governments, the Speaker expressed her disappointment. The anticipated impact, especially in developmental sectors like poverty alleviation, is yet to be realized.

According to the Speaker, parliaments have a civic and constitutional responsibility to overturn the long history of women’s exclusion, using their oversight and accountability mandates. Ms Mapisa-Nqakula expressed her firm belief that if global parliaments conscientiously performed their roles as catalysts for social change, they could redress historical injustices. They could contribute to creating societies where women and girls can live free from poverty and associated social issues.

Call to Action: Strengthening Gender Equity

The Speaker’s call to action is emphatic. Parliaments must step up to the challenge, utilizing their influence to turn the tide of gender inequality. They must engage actively in creating a world where every woman and girl can break free from the shackles of poverty and social hardships. Echoing the proverb, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world,” the Speaker emphasized the potential that women-led parliaments hold in steering the world towards greater gender equality and economic prosperity for all.

1. What is gender mainstreaming in state operations?

Gender mainstreaming in state operations refers to incorporating a gender perspective in policy-making, legislation, and budgeting processes. It involves ensuring that all policies and decisions consider the impact on women and men and address gender inequalities.

2. What is the role of parliaments in promoting gender equality?

Parliaments have a crucial role in promoting gender-sensitive budgeting and advocating for gender equity. As the creators of governments, parliaments should leverage their authority to advocate for budgets that protect women’s interests and promote equality.

3. What challenges exist in achieving gender mainstreaming?

Longstanding issues of patriarchy, gender-based discrimination, and the exclusion of women pose significant obstacles to achieving gender mainstreaming. Changing these entrenched norms requires efforts beyond the present, and parliaments must actively work towards creating a world where women and girls can live free from poverty and associated social issues.

4. What is the call to action for parliaments?

The call to action for parliaments is to step up and utilize their influence to turn the tide of gender inequality towards greater economic prosperity for all. Parliaments must advocate for gender equity and create societies where women and girls can live free from poverty and associated social issues.

5. What is the theme of the 68th Session (CSW68)?

The theme of the 68th Session (CSW68) is “Gender-sensitive parliaments: Advancing gender equality to end poverty.” The aim of the session is to incorporate the perspective of parliaments in conversations centered around women’s issues.

6. What is the potential impact of women-led parliaments in promoting gender equality?

Women-led parliaments hold the potential to steer the world towards greater gender equality and economic prosperity for all. By conscientiously performing their roles as catalysts for social change, global parliaments can contribute to creating societies where women and girls can live free from poverty and associated social issues.