A gender responsive approach could ensure Budget 2024’s RM393.8bil reaches the furthest left behind

THE Gender Budget Group congratulates the Malaysian government on a Budget 2024 that responds to the needs of various communities. However, we note that its limited gender perspective could be improved so that allocations will reach the furthest left behind, including women and children. The national budget should be an opportunity to redress existing inequalities, including gender equality, that impact all in Malaysia.

Gender responsive budgeting looks at the budget’s impact on girls, boys, men and women. It acknowledges the differences in situations, roles, contributions, and needs of different communities and “responds” accordingly by allocating specific budgets for both women and men beneficiaries in projects and programmes.