Chapter 1: introduction.

• Author: Kakande, Margaret
• Position: Training Manual: Gender Mainstreaming in the Macroeconomics, Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs

1.1 What is a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) ?

A poverty reduction strategy paper (PRSP) is a document describing the building blocks of a country's poverty reduction strategy including:

* Identification of key constraints to economic growth and poverty reduction

* Consideration of the public actions needed to relieve those constraints

* Outcome indicators that are set and monitored using a participatory process and

* A description of the nature of the consultative process by which the strategy was formulated.

These documents are produced by all countries receiving support from the international Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. In some countries the PRSP document is changing names and is referred to as the National Development Plan (NDP).

1.2 Background to the Training

Country evidence over the last 10-15 years shows that the nature, causes and impacts of poverty are different for men and for women. Therefore, understanding the nature of gender disparities and taking the necessary actions to redress them will not only promote higher growth rates but will also make a substantial contribution to the reduction of poverty.

To enhance this understanding among African governments, FEMNFT compiled the country experiences (Egypt, Mall, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia) in analyzing gender in the PRSP sectors, as well as the macroeconomic frameworks. The report assessed the efforts to mainstream gender into PRSPs that varied markedly between the five countries, lessons were drawn and recommendations made.

One of the key recommendations was the need for capacity enhancement of analytical skills among the macroeconomic and PRSP advocates. To this effect, FEMNET has designed an advocacy training manual and advocacy tool to facilitate the process of increasing the number of gender advocates that can effectively participate in the PRSP formulation and review processes. FEMNET will use the training materials to train a team of trainers from various African states as part of its contribution to strengthening women's capacity to influence the development processes, priority setting and resource allocation n their respective countries.

1.3 Why this training?

Advocating for gender responsive macroeconomic frameworks and PRSPs arises from the recognition that: large gender disparities in basic human rights, resources, economic opportunity, and in political voice are directly and indirectly limiting growth in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to being a major...