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Fostering Gender Equality through the Gender-sensitive Fiscal Policy in Iraq

12 May 2023
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Fostering Gender Equality through the Gender-sensitive Fiscal Policy in Iraq
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The “Policy Note on Fostering Gender Equality through a Gender-Sensitive Fiscal Policy in Iraq” explores strategies to address gender inequality by integrating gender considerations into Iraq’s fiscal policies and public financial management (PFM) systems. It highlights the urgency of improving Iraq’s institutional frameworks and expenditure policies to close significant gender gaps in economic participation, education, and health.

Key Insights:

  1. Gender Inequality in Iraq:
    • Iraq ranks 152nd out of 153 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index (2020), with major gaps in economic participation, education, and political empowerment.
    • Women’s labor force participation is just 13%, and their estimated annual income is $3,500 compared to $27,200 for men.
  2. Challenges in Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB):
    • Limited capacity in line ministries to perform gender analysis of budgets and expenditures.
    • Lack of top-down directives for implementing gender-sensitive programs from key government agencies like the Ministries of Finance and Planning.
  3. Recommendations:
    • Strengthening Gender-Responsive PFM Systems:
      • Introduce gender impact assessments for revenue and expenditure policies.
      • Incorporate gender considerations into public investment management and procurement processes.
    • Enhancing Sectoral Approaches:
      • Pilot GRB in ministries with the potential to reduce gender gaps, such as education, health, and labor.
      • Focus on expanding access to childcare, women-friendly infrastructure, and educational opportunities.
    • Improving Data and Monitoring:
      • Collect sex-disaggregated data for budget analysis and reporting to align spending with national gender equity goals.
  4. Strategic Actions:
    • Align fiscal reforms with the National Strategy for Iraqi Women (2023–2030).
    • Develop sector-specific initiatives to promote women’s economic empowerment and leadership.

Note on Preparation

This report was authored by Arun Arya, Senior Public Finance Management Advisor, for German Development Cooperation (GIZ) as part of the Public Finance and Financial Markets (FFM) Project. It underscores GIZ’s commitment to advancing gender equality through sustainable and inclusive fiscal practices in Iraq.