An allocation of Tk271,819 crore has been proposed for the gender budget in the financial year 2024-2025.
According to the gender budget report, the gender-relevant allocations in both the development and operating budgets have increased. The gender-relevant operating budget allocation is Tk165,048 crore, while the development budget stands at Tk106,771 crore.
Together, these allocations amount to Tk271,819 crore, representing 34.11% of the total budget. This sustained commitment is also reflected in the gender-relevant allocation as a percentage of GDP, which has shown a slight increase over the years.
The trend in Bangladesh's total national budget and gender-relevant budget across fiscal years from 2009-10 to 2024-25 showcases a consistent increase in both allocations, rising from almost 0 to 200,000 crore in these 16 budget years.
By 2024-25, the total national budget had risen significantly to Tk797,000 crore, with the gender-relevant budget reaching Tk271,819 crore.
In 2009-10, the total national budget was Tk110,523 crore, with the gender-relevant portion at Tk27,248 crore. Over the years, as the national budget expanded, so did the gender-relevant budget.
The Gender Budget report for FY2024-25 indicates not only a substantial increase in the total budget but also a rising proportion dedicated to gender-relevant issues, reflecting a strong commitment to addressing gender-specific concerns within the national fiscal policy. The growth rate of the gender-relevant budget slightly outpaces the total budget, suggesting an increasing prioritization of gender issues in budgetary considerations.
Experts say that according to this budget, the extent to which plans for achieving gender equality are being implemented must also be reviewed.
Professor Tania Haque of Dhaka University's Department of Women and Gender Studies told Dhaka Tribune that the most important thing is the implementation and impact of the budget rather than the allocation.
She emphasized the need for rational investment in the gender budget, prioritizing education and action. Observing budget implementation from the state to the micro level is crucial for improving the situation of women and children and reducing vulnerability.
She pointed out that investing the budget at the ground level is important. Therefore, emphasizing the implementation of the budget in the family process is one of the most important factors. Budgeting for educating parents is essential because childhood education impacts one's whole life.
Rokeya Kabir, activist and executive director of BNPS, said that over 50% of the population are women who still face discrimination and oppression. The national budget allocations are crucial for equitable resource distribution and women's economic, social, and political empowerment.
She called for greater awareness among policymakers regarding quotas for disadvantaged communities, sexual harassment, and women's inheritance rights.
Towards Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB)
The rationale for Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) in Bangladesh underscores its critical role in addressing gender disparities identified by the Global Gender Gap Index and other women’s development indicators. The gender budget report traces the evolution of GRB in Bangladesh, starting with broader financial reforms and the adoption of the Medium-Term Budget Framework (MTBF).
Highlighting the rationale for gender-sensitive budgeting, the report, citing data from the Global Gender Gap Index, noted significant progress in political empowerment in Bangladesh. However, the government continues to make efforts to enhance women's economic participation and ensure equal opportunities with men in all fields.
Additionally, there is ongoing emphasis on the inclusion of women in the main workforce and the elimination of income inequality between women and men.
Funds have been allocated to ensure a holistic approach towards addressing the unique demands and challenges encountered by women and other oppressed genders. Education, Health, and Wellbeing consistently receive the highest allocations for women's development, growing from TK 64,155 crore in 2021-22 to TK 86,893 crore in 2024-25.
Allocations for Women Empowerment and Enhancing Social Status have also significantly increased, rising from Tk49,108 crore in 2021-22 to Tk64,075 crore in 2024-25. Similarly, Economic Participation and Equality allocations have increased from Tk45,722 crore in 2021-22 to Tk76,841 crore in 2024-25.
The report highlights a strong and growing commitment to gender-sensitive initiatives across these critical areas.
Women Empowerment and Enhancing Social Status encompasses various programs with differing levels of gender relevance. Resource allocation varies across different aspects of women's empowerment and social status enhancement, with the greatest focus on direct gender policies and activities.
Largest budget share
The largest budget share goes to reducing vulnerabilities and poverty among women through social safety nets, with TK 35,785 crore allocated in 2024-25.
Capacity building for women in climate change mitigation has also grown, with Tk6,881 crore allocated in 2024-25. Overall, total allocations for Women Empowerment and Enhancing Social Status have consistently increased, reaching Tk64,075 crore in 2024-25, reflecting the government's sustained commitment to gender-sensitive initiatives.
Ten ministries and divisions receive a higher percentage of budget allocation for women compared to others. The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs is working to mainstream gender perspectives in every sphere and is experiencing a continuous increase in funding aimed at supporting its gender-focused initiatives.
