Exploring Financing Gaps and Strategies discussed on International Conference for WPS

Exploring Financing Gaps and Strategies discussed on International Conference for WPS

The National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAPWPS) faces significant challenges due to underfunding and unclear budget allocations, which weaken the effectiveness of the WPS Agenda. Funding has remained a persistent obstacle to achieving its goals. Global reviews of the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 since 2010 echoed these concerns. As of early 2023, only 31 out of 101 National Action Plans have included funding estimates for their WPS activities.

In response to these financial challenges, the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security 2024 hosted a session titled "Investing in Impact: Financing Strategies for WPS Initiatives." The session explored innovative and strategic solutions to address funding gaps, and provided participants with insights which they could apply in their respective countries. Panelists included Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, Australia's Ambassador for Gender Equality Stephanie Copus Campbell, and HIAS Ukraine Country Director Maria Jose Gomez Gonzales. Ms. Karen Davila, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, moderated the discussion.

"Anchored in these frameworks, we are working tirelessly to implement actionable strategies and integrate gender perspectives into financial planning and management to bolster our WPS programs," Secretary Pangandaman underscored during her opening statement which focuses on the initiatives of the Philippine government in promoting gender equality contributing to global security.

Ambassador Campbell emphasized the importance of gender equality in promoting peace, sharing her country's strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of investments in this area. She shared that gender equality is the number one predictor of peace, and working together with all key players and telling narratives are important in securing resources for such initiatives.

"Gender equality is the number one predictor of peace," she explained. "We have to consistently measure what we're doing. Collect the data, have the evidence, and communicate that evidence. We need to tell stories of one woman who has a name, who has a story, who has hopes, who has dreams, who has fears, and who can be terribly disproportionately affected by conflict, but also can be a powerful part of the solution."

Director Gonzales shared how women-led organizations in Ukraine are maximizing resources for peacebuilding amid the ongoing war. She emphasized that women are not only victims but also active participants on the frontlines.

"Women don't want a world with war; but if war exists, we demand our voice in the process of ending it," she said.

PCW Chairperson Valdeavilla underscored the importance of effective gender budgeting in the Philippines. She noted that the PCW's role extends beyond monitoring Gender and Development budgets, it also empowers government agencies to implement GAD policies effectively. With all the policies and assistance, there should no longer be any excuses not to pursue gender mainstreaming in the country.

"If you have a GAD plan and you don't have a GAD budget, that is a joke. If you have a GAD budget but you do not have a GAD plan, that is a disaster. And if you have a GAD Budget and GAD Plan but no report, that's malversation," she stated.

Gender-Responsive Budgeting

With various government agencies implementing numerous livelihood programs, Secretary Pangandaman shared that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed these agencies to adopt convergence budgeting. This initiative aims to assess overlapping efforts and ensure effective program execution, avoiding duplication and maximizing impact.

A related challenge is ensuring that GAD budgets are utilized meaningfully to improve the lives of women and girls. Chairperson Valdeavilla stressed that despite progress, more work is needed to strengthen the implementation of the GAD budget policy. To enhance effectiveness, the PCW is introducing results-based management for gender budgeting. This approach will measure the real impact of government initiatives on women's lives. Accountability will be key to ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed.

In Australia, programs with substantial budget proposals or significant gender implications must undergo in-depth analysis. Regardless of the proposing department, this analysis is submitted to decision-makers to ensure that policies not only maximize opportunities but also minimize potential harm.

Amid the ongoing conflict in their country, Director Gonzales acknowledged that women's rights are not currently their highest priority. However, she emphasized that efforts are still being made to protect the rights of women and girls, particularly from conflict-related gender-based violence.

Sustainability not just temporary response

In response to questions raised by a participant, the panelists agreed that sustainability stems from organizations that can clearly define the problem they aim to solve and already have solutions in place. Capacity building was emphasized as essential for ensuring that programs remain sustainable. However, the panelists noted that some organizations benefiting from these programs lack technical assistance, which is often more critical than funding. They stressed that sustainability is not solely about financial resources but also about equipping people with the skills and leadership needed to effectively implement their plans.

_{Conference participants asking questions on the advancement of their respective WPS initiatives in their local communities and organizations.}

Localization was identified as another crucial strategy, as communities on the ground are more attuned to their needs than external funders. The panelists also highlighted the importance of creating spaces for women to bring their innovative ideas to life, underscoring the value of their contributions to sustainable solutions.

A comprehensive agenda was also recognized as a key element of sustainable development. Panelists explained that gaining government support requires making clear demands for what is rightfully due to women, backed by an actionable and fundable agenda that motivates policymakers to act. They further stressed the importance of credible evidence to demonstrate community needs and align these with advocacy efforts.

Equitable allocation of resources for WPS initiatives

Equity involves multiple layers, beginning with the understanding that not everyone starts from the same point. At its core, equity is about recognizing and addressing each individual's most profound needs. When it comes to funding, it is equally important to ensure that stakeholders are meaningfully consulted on how resources are allocated.

One of the first executive orders signed by the President was the Open Government Partnership (OGP), which encourages citizens and their organizations to actively participate in all levels of social, political, and economic decision-making. This approach is now integrated into the Philippines' budget call, ensuring that the public financial management reflects the people's voice, particularly in advancing the WPS agenda.

The thematic session was held on the second day of the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security, held at the Philippine International Convention Center on October 29, 2024.

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