The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has submitted recommendations to all municipalities in Kosovo, calling for the full implementation of gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) in the 2027 Annual Budget and the Medium-Term Budget Framework (MTBF). Grounded in the Law on Gender Equality and the Ministry of Finance’s Budget Circular, the recommendations emphasise that municipalities are legally required to integrate gender considerations into budget planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. KWN highlights that GRB is not about increasing public spending, but about allocating existing resources more effectively and equitably to meet the needs of diverse women, men, girls and boys.
KWN also encourages municipalities to strengthen transparency and public accountability by publishing their GRB Annexes alongside their budget proposals and ensuring meaningful public consultation throughout the budgeting process. Engaging citizens, including women, youth, persons with disabilities and representatives of diverse communities, in budget discussions can help municipalities better identify priorities, improve public services and ensure that budget decisions reflect the needs of all residents. This participatory approach contributes to more inclusive governance and aligns with both national legal obligations and international commitments.
The recommendations include practical measures across several municipal sectors, including social welfare, education, health, agriculture, public services, urban planning and sports. Among the proposed actions are dedicated funding for services addressing gender-based violence, expanded childcare and psychological services in schools, improved reproductive healthcare, more accessible public infrastructure, better transportation to rural areas and equal opportunities for women and girls in sports. KWN has also expressed its readiness to support municipalities by reviewing draft MTBFs and GRB Annexes and providing technical expertise throughout the budgeting process.
Read our recommendations here.
