Integrating Gender into Educational Planning and Budgeting

Abstract

This study provides a gender analysis of public sector budgets in education sector of Pakistan. An in-depth analysis of pre-primary to secondary level education budgetary allocations and spending at federal and provincial (Punjab and Sindh) levels for the period of 2016-18 has been conducted through a gender lens. The research methodology is based on four key instruments, which help in systematically approaching our research questions. These instruments include review of existing secondary information and data, key informant interviews, stakeholder consultations, and a detailed review of budgetary processes. The study reveals gender disparity in out-of-school children at primary level. According to the study, 47 per cent boys as opposed to 58 per cent girls in Sindh whereas 39 per cent boys as opposed to 41 per cent girls were out-of-school in the Punjab. The study also finds noticeable gender disparities in budgetary allocations. The study concludes that in order to ensure sufficient allocations to promote girls’ education, the budget making process needs to be reconfigured. The gender lens should be introduced at a very early stage where budget call circulars are being sent to the departments concerned.