Joint Monitoring Workshop on Gender-Responsive Planning & Budgeting in Dire Dawa

On October 1-2, 2024, a dynamic two-day joint monitoring session was held in Dire Dawa. The session focused on “gender-responsive planning and budgeting” as a vital step toward gender equality and women’s empowerment. Over 40 participants, including planning and budgeting experts, WROs, and social affairs representatives from seven woredas, collaborated to assess progress and address challenges within their institutions.

Key initiatives highlighted:

1.  Decision-makers’ sensitization and staff training.
2. Gender gap analysis and budget adjustments to meet women’s needs.
3. Boosting women’s participation in decision-making and economic activities.
4. Enhanced M&E tools for tracking gender parity in program benefits.

Progresses Made

• More women are aware of their rights.
• Community support for women’s rights is growing.
• Women have actively participated in government, economic cooperatives, and resource management.

Despite successes, gaps in “gender-sensitive M&E tools” and “reporting quality” remain. Participants called for continued training to fully integrate gender-focused planning at all levels.