Gender Ministry Launches Fresh Push for Gender-Responsive Government Spending
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) has intensified efforts to strengthen gender-responsive governance across government institutions through a two-day Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) training workshop for Ministry, Department and Agency (MDA) focal persons.
The workshop, held from 17th to 18th September 2026 with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the William + Flora Hewlett Foundation, focused on strengthening the capacity of government institutions to integrate gender considerations into planning, budgeting and programme implementation.
This initiative is part of MoGCA’s efforts to promote public policies and investments that meet the needs of women, men, girls, and boys across Sierra Leone.
Technical experts from MoGCA and the Ministry of Finance facilitated the training, providing practical guidance on incorporating gender considerations into sectoral plans, programmes and budget frameworks.
During the two-day engagement, participants explored how gender perspectives can be incorporated into policy formulation, planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and reporting. They also examined ways to identify gender gaps, use gender-disaggregated data and develop budgets that promote equity, inclusion and measurable development outcomes.
The training further underscored the importance of Gender-Responsive Budgeting in advancing national development priorities and supporting the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act.
Participants also examined strategies for improving institutional accountability and strengthening budget-tracking mechanisms to ensure that government investments contribute to reducing inequalities and expanding opportunities for women and girls.
Facilitators urged MDA focal persons to use the knowledge gained to champion gender mainstreaming within their respective institutions and contribute to stronger gender-responsive planning and budgeting processes.
MoGCA reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners, including UNDP through the Spotlight Initiative, to strengthen institutions, promote gender-responsive governance and support inclusive and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.