Capacity Development for Promoting Gender Equality in the Aid Effectiveness Agenda: Lessons from Sub-Regional Consultations in Africa

In the context of discussions on financing for development and aid effectiveness, there has been growing recognition of the importance of integrating gender equality in national development planning and programming cycles. Drawing on the experiences and insights shared in a series of African regional and sub-regional consultations on gender equality and aid effectiveness, this discussion paper outlines a capacity development strategy for advancing development effectiveness and gender equality in the new aid agenda. It is recognised that a number of institutions need to build their capacities in several areas:

- Government institutions, from Ministries of Finance and Planning to local authorities, need to strengthen capacity of technical staff to carry out gender-responsive budgeting which represents the priorities of poor women and men from the planning to the implementation stages of the process. Developing their capacity to engage effectively with women stakeholders in an inclusive way is also key;
- National women's machineries should enhance their skills to participate effectively in national planning processes, monitor implementation and promote accountability mechanisms for gender equality;
- Women's organisations need to strengthen understanding of national planning and budgeting processes in order to effectively engage in new aid modality policy and planning processes.