Issues

Gender Budgeting And Millennium Development Goals

Published

15 years ago

July 24, 2009

This is a paper presented by a member of the Kenyan National Assembly, Dr Joyce Laboso at the 40th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Africa Regional Conference in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital.

The Millennium Development goals (MDGs) are a set of eight (8) goals that were agreed upon at the UN Millennium Summit in New York in 2000, and aimed at fast tracking progress in achieving sustainable development and redressing inequalities all around the globe.

The MDGs contain time-bound targets in key sector areas to be achieved by 2015 in tackling the most pressing issues facing the world today namely- poverty, hunger, illiteracy, gender inequality, child and maternal mortality, HIV/AIDS and environmental degradation.

The achievements in all the eight (8) MDGs provide a strategy through which countries can address human suffering and especially the plight of women who constitute more than 50 per cent of the total population.

In this regard, governments must seriously and systematically ‘engender’ efforts to achieve all the goals.

Such efforts must, of necessity, include engendering the national budgets by systematically and deliberately allocating resources for activities that address the plight of the disadvantaged gender which in Africa is women.

Gender Budgeting – What is it?

It is the process of incorporating gender concerns in the entire budgeting process. On the whole, budgets are gender blind. Gender-blind budgets do not consider that women and men have different roles, responsibilities, capabilities and commitments. They ignore the economic and social differences that exist between women and men.

A gender budget is therefore a budget that has accounted for the direct and indirect effects of a government’s expenditure, allocations and revenues on both women and men. Making sure there is a specific allocation for programmes specially tailored to address the concerns of the disadvantaged gender.

Why a Gender Budget ?

Gender Budgeting is important and relevant to governments in various ways. It assists to promote equity, equality, efficiency and transparency in the budget process including the realisation of social, economic and cultural rights and good governance. It offers a practical way of evaluating governments inaction or action and the progress made towards gender equality by focusing on the weight of government’s financial commitment attached programmes and their impact on the lives of women. The budget can be used as a tool to consciously ensure that governments and other government institutions focus on disadvantaged groups such as women, youth people with disabilities (PWDs) and people living with HIV and AIDS.

Gender budgeting allows governments to prepare and review their national budgets through promoting policy and resource allocation from a gender perspective. It further proposes that government expenditure on programmes and projects reveal a differential impact between men and women that aims at improving the life of women and girls especially in marginalised areas.

A gender budget can also act as an instrument for holding the government accountable to its gender equality obligations. Sustainable development requires a deeper understanding of the fact that men and women have different development priorities needs and constraints and are therefore affected differently by development interventions.

50:50% budgetary allocation for men, women, boys and girls is not enough to address gender imbalances for gender budgeting but the percentages should be as per the identified needs of men, women, boys and girls after analysis. A gender budget thus attempts to transform budgets from an exercise of resource allocation to tools for social change.

Why Focus on Women?

Gender budgeting is not about women. However, women, especially in Africa have been disadvantaged for many reasons and for so long and this notwithstanding that they constitute majority of the population in the continent. For example, there has been low level of representation in parliamentary politics where most decisions affecting women are made.

The economy has a gender hierarchy because of the social construction hierarchy because it is made up of the productive and reproductive activities and the latter is the woman’s domain. Productive activities are given monetary value and go into the GDP whereas reproductive activities happen mostly within the households and are not accounted for in the GDP. E.g., When a woman takes care of her children, it is reproductive and is not accounted for, whereas when she takes her child to a day care centre to be looked after, she pays for the services and it becomes productive services. The same as when one washes their clothes at home; it is reproductive whereas when one takes them to the laundry, it is productive services.

Women have unique insights and gifts to the development process which need to be exploited. They are resource mobilizers as seen from their merry-go-rounds in the community; they are peace builders because they understand the consequences of wars, violence and conflicts on them; and they are united towards achieving goals as demonstrated in their numerous successful self-help women groups. Women play multiple roles in the society and therefore it is of utmost importance to educate them and allow them to have a voice in decision making that is critical in achieving the MDGs. Empowering women will accelerate the achievement of these goals. For example, access to education and health is key indicator to economic growth, poverty reduction and alleviation of child mortality rates and eradication of malnutrition.

Situation in Kenya

In Kenya, there exists gross inequalities between men and women. The economic disempowerment of women constitutes a major obstacle to the government’s efforts at alleviation of poverty. According to the Kenya Integrated Budget Household survey (KIBHS), 2005/6, women constitute 50.5 per cent of the total population. The survey further reveals that poverty has gender dimensions; with female headed households being more likely to have higher poverty prevalence compared to male- headed households.

Within the East Africa region, Kenya has the lowest percentage of women representatives in Parliament. In the current 10th- Parliament, there are 22 female Parliamentarians out of a house of 222.This mere 10 per cent representation has major implications on the articulation and implementation of women’s agenda in Parliament. The fact is that women are under represented in decision-making positions notwithstanding a Presidential directive that in all public service appointments, there must be a one-third representation of women.

Women remain largely absent at the levels of policy formulation and decision-making and are underrepresented in policy decision making positions. Even where they are present, they may not be equal participants due to rampant masculinity. Women are the central caretakers of families yet continue to experience suffering occasioned by oppression, violence and exclusion from full participation in nation building. They are central to community development initiative which characterises rural development practices and policies. Therefore, have the potential to boost economic development through their actions. Their centrality to communal life makes their inclusion in decision making essential, and subsequently the need for gender responsive budget.

The budgetary process in Kenya has gradually focused on gender issues. Poverty, education and health sectors have been given priority in the budget allocation process and the expenditure awarded to these sectors has also increased tremendously. In Kenya, the government has developed poverty eradication policies and strategies such as the National Poverty Eradication Plan, NPEP (1999-2015); the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, PRSP (2001-2004), the National Development Plan, NDP (2002-2008) and the Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth & Employment Creation, ERSWEC (2003-2007) which all need to be fully implemented and require full participation of men and women. Free primary and secondary education that takes it mandatory for all children who have attained the school going age to access education has been crucial in bridging the wide gap between male and female access to education. In the past priority in education by most cultures in Kenya was given to the boy-child who was viewed to have more potential value to the families while the girl child was neglected since her role was seen to be mainly focused in the domestic domain which is deemed by the society as requiring no formal education.

Role of Parliamentarians

Parliament through the enactment of gender responsive legislation will ensure that resources are allocated to meet the needs of various sectors of society. Gender sensitive budgetary estimates: Parliament has a key role to ensure that budgetary estimates that are approved are gender sensitive and promote gender equality at all levels of society. Oversight on gender sensitive expenditure by government: Through its oversight functions, Parliament can in reviewing government expenditure and investment examine gender concerns and put government to account. Gender Budgeting Sensitisation of communities: MPs ought to support sensitization initiatives for their constituents on gender and the economy to enable women to realise positive change e.g., enable the women to engage with CDF, LATIF, Constituency Aids and Bursary fund, Youth and Women funds. In doing this, the MPs should collaborate with other government structures, including local government, provincial administration and with civil society groups.

MPs must recognize the local governance structures at the lower level and gender sensitise them to be gender sensitive and to mainstream gender in their work. Parliament has demonstrated political leadership in the domestication of the international MDGs following the establishment of the Parliamentary Caucus on Poverty and the MDGs with the objective of exercising advocacy efforts aimed at ensuring the country fast track implementation of action programmes to reduce poverty and achieve MDGs by 2015. Parliament has also established a Committee on Equal Opportunity.

Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry, new President, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

Issues

Investing In Nyesom Wike: A Story Of Dedication, Sacrifice And Ultimate Loss

Published

7 days ago

April 10, 2024

The Tide

In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.

Tele Ikuru

Issues

Is Okocha A Happy Man Being Perpetual Hireling?

Published

1 month ago

March 15, 2024

The Tide

The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?

Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .

Bernard C. Idike

Issues

Day Asari-Toru Declared Massive Support For Fubara

Published

1 month ago

March 11, 2024

The Tide

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.