This module explains broadly the key characteristics of good governance. It then outlines good practice in financial management in the context of good governance characteristics. This good practice is of   major importance in budgetary analysis of any kind. An assessment of the degree of good practice in governance and the nation’s annual budget are prerequisites for determining whether or not gender-responsive budgeting programmes might be effective and efficient. It discusses the value of expenditure side and revenue side analysis of budgets and explores the experiences in gender-responsive budgeting in countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Global Gender and Economic Policy Management Initiative (GEPMI) is a comprehensive capacity development and policy advisory services programme that aims to help economic policies and poverty reduction strategies deliver results equitably to women and men, girls and boys. In Asia and the Pacific, three-week courses on Gender-Responsive Economic Policy Management, which provided hands-on skills to middle-level government planning officials, parliamentary staff and civil society organization, were held in 2012-2013. The course consisted of twelve modules addressing the most critical gender issues in all aspects of economic development in Asia and the Pacific. The modules can be used as a complete set to run a full-scale course. They can also be used individually, tailored for immediate and specific capacity development and policy advisory support to meet a country’s particular needs.

Governments interested in a specific capacity building or policy advisory service can contact UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub (registry.th@undp.org) for immediate support.