Namibia Advances Gender Equality Through Training on Gender-Responsive Planning and Budgeting

Namibia Advances Gender Equality Through Training on Gender-Responsive Planning and Budgeting. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, in collaboration with the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM), has launched a Training of Trainers (ToT) initiative on Gender Responsive Planning and Budgeting (GRPB), with technical and financial support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the European Union (EU).

The programme aims to create a skilled pool of facilitators drawn from government ministries, parliament, and academic institutions to effectively deliver GRPB training to Members of Parliament and civil servants across the country. This effort marks an important step toward strengthening institutional capacity for integrating gender perspectives in national and sectoral plans and budgets.

According to the organisers, the training will empower participants to analyze gender-specific issues in policy formulation, understand national gender policies, and apply gender-responsive budgeting principles in everyday governance and decision-making. By aligning financial allocations with the diverse needs of women, men, girls, and boys, the GRPB framework promotes accountability, equitable service delivery, and inclusive development.

The ToT sessions employ participatory learning approaches, including peer exchange, real-life case studies, and practical exercises designed to enhance both technical and facilitation skills. This methodology ensures that participants not only understand the theoretical underpinnings of gender-responsive budgeting but are also able to apply these tools within their respective institutions.

UNFPA and the EU’s continued support underscores Namibia’s commitment to advancing gender equality and social inclusion through evidence-based public sector reforms. The initiative is expected to build a foundation for sustained gender mainstreaming across all levels of government, ensuring that national budgets effectively respond to the realities and aspirations of all Namibians.