In a groundbreaking collaboration between the Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation and supreme audit institutions (SAIs) from five diverse countries—Senegal, Rwanda, Guyana, Vietnam, and Burma— I had the pleasure to deliver a full-day training session to equip auditors with the tools and knowledge needed to integrate gender perspectives into their auditing practices. The training, which focused on Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), intersectionality, and Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB), marked a significant step toward strengthening accountability mechanisms and promoting gender equality within SAIs worldwide.

Morning Session: Exploring Gender-Based Analysis Plus and Intersectionality

The morning session commenced with an exploration of Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) and intersectionality—an essential foundation for understanding the complex intersections of gender and other identity categories. Through engaging discussions and interactive exercises, participants gained insights into how gender inequalities intersect with factors such as race, ethnicity, class, disability, and more, shaping individuals' experiences of privilege, disadvantage, and discrimination. As auditors delved deeper into the nuances of GBA+ and intersectionality, they recognized the importance of integrating gender perspectives into all aspects of their audit frameworks. Practical strategies were shared to incorporate GBA+ into audit methodologies, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable approach to auditing.

Afternoon Session: Harnessing the Power of Gender-Responsive Budgeting

In the afternoon, attention turned to Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB), a powerful tool for promoting gender equality and women's empowerment through fiscal policies and resource allocation. Auditors learned how to analyze budgets through a gender lens, identify gender disparities in resource allocation, and advocate for gender-responsive policies within their respective countries. Through case studies and real-world examples, participants explored the transformative potential of GRB in enhancing transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in budgetary processes. They discussed strategies to promote women's leadership and empowerment, and ways to ensure that budgetary decisions address the diverse needs and priorities of all genders.

Training Outcomes:

By the end of the training day, auditors emerged equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to conduct gender-responsive audits and advocate for gender equality within their audit mandates. They gained a deeper understanding of how gender considerations intersect with audit processes and budgetary decisions, and expressed their commitment to integrating gender perspectives into their work.

Tailored Tools and Resources:

In addition to the comprehensive training sessions, tailored tools and step-by-step processes were created to empower participants to easily refresh their memories on key concepts and practical tools for implementing gender mainstreaming and intersectionality in their daily work. These resources were designed to be user-friendly and accessible, enabling auditors to share them with their colleagues at work to increase awareness and facilitate conversations about gender equality within their organizations. Participants were provided with Gender-Responsive (GR) Budget Documentation, Guide for Gender Impact Assessment (GIA), checklists, case studies, and discussion guides, ensuring that the learnings could be effectively translated into action within their organizations.

By empowering auditors to take ownership of implementing gender mainstreaming and intersectionality in their work, the training sought to catalyze positive change and foster a culture of gender equality and accountability within supreme audit institutions worldwide.

For more insights and updates on gender-based analysis plus, gender-responsive budgeting and related topics, connect with The Smart Woman Consulting.