Dingake encourages gender responsive budgeting
Baboki Kayawe | Friday September 9, 2016 15:05
Officiating at a SADC roundtable discussion on the linkages between Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in the region, Dingake said resource inadequacy was one of the greatest challenges in this regard.
Dingake recommended that the region prioritise budgets better so as to “channel funds where they are needed the most”.
“By gender responsive budgeting, I must not be misunderstood to be suggesting that the treasury should develop two budgets – one for men and the other for women,” he said.
“In allocating funds, governments must show an awareness of the fact that some problems are peculiar to men, while others are unique to women.
“For instance, the fact that women face serious reproductive health problems that can incapacitate them ought to be considered, and the budget must mirror these unique challenges,” he said.
Moreover, Dingake said the fact that GBV cases are under-reported is a manifestation of insufficient supportive services such as counselling.
“We therefore need to confront head-on the ideology and practice of patriarchy that denies so many of our people the right to live in dignity,” he said.
Looking at the many contributors to GBV such as cultural practices and economic challenges, Dingake urged governments to adopt multi-faceted prevention and response strategies.
He further said it is imperative for every country to implement international conventions and fulfill commitments to strengthen the state’s obligation and responsibility to eliminate GBV and eradicate its root causes.
The incidence of GBV in some SADC countries remains disturbingly high from 35% to 47%.
According to secretary of the SADC Parliament forum, Esau Chiviya it is disturbing that in some cases, the perpetrators are often known or related to the victims.
“Left unchecked, GBV can lead to fear, deep seclusion, deprivation, physical and emotional harm or even death as well as economic inequality,” Chiviya said.
He added, GBV is an issue of power and gross violation of human rights and a major obstacle towards socioeconomic development.