51% of Austria’s population are women; strictly speaking they are the majority of our population. And even if they constituted just half of the population or slightly less: Shouldn’t they be equally considered? And isn’t there anything telling more about practical consideration than money? Consequently, budgets are a powerful instrument with which to acknowledge women in a way they should have been acknowledged by the above-mentioned democratic imperative.
Unfortunately, this line of reasoning has not sufficed to walk the talk. Luckily, Gender Budgeting is not a question of political will or attitude: It is not dependent on democratic legitimation, political correctness or the path of least resistance. On the contrary, Gender Budgeting is incumbent upon the state (and its organisations) by law, and, even more so, by constitutional law targeted at federal civil service authorities. Ever since legal stipulations were adopted in 2009, Austria has had a flagship role in Gender Budgeting in Europe. Yet, Austria is not the only shining example as a a look beyond our nose shows shows.
Gender Budgeting
Resolution on GM in the work of the European Parliament
According to the latest European Parliament resolution of 8 March 2016 on Gender Mainstreaming in the work of the European Parliament little progress has been made when it comes to the implementation of Gender Budgeting principles in the work of the European Parliament. Actually, the challenge even start at an earlier stage: the application of Gender Mainstreaming in the European Parliament. For more information on this, also see our blog article: Gender Budgeting in the work of the European Parliament..
Read MoreGender Budgeting, a constitutional duty
The Federal Constitution of the Republic of Austria has become the heart of Gender Budgeting as it enforces Gender Budgeting rules for all public authorities in Austria. Consequently, the country has been portrayed as a shining in terms of Gender Budgeting measures. As follows, the most important articles on Gender Budgeting shall be pointed to: Art. 13, para. 3 Federal Constitution of Austria “Federation, provinces and municipalities have to aim at the equal status of women and men in the..
Read MoreFederal Budget Act, Austria
The Federal Budget Act (BHG 2013) entered into force on 1 January 2013. It contains detailed rules on outcome-oriented budgeting, notably on how to meet legal obligations of enforcing effective equality between women and men.
Resolution on GM in the work of the European Parliament
The European Parliament resolution on Gender Mainstreaming in the work of the European Parliament of 2011 falls on a sober note. Not only Gender Budgeting is adressed in this first resolution on GM in the European Parliament, but also, it provided fresh impetus for studies on the feasibility of Gender Budgeting in the EU’s budgeting work. For more information on this, also see our blog article: Gender Budgeting in the work of the European Parliament and the EU Budget –..
Read MoreFederal Public Procurement Act, Austria
In conformity with European secondary law the Federal Public Procurement Act of Austria (BVergG 2006) grants the right to consider secondary aspects in public procurement. Art 19 para 6 Federal Public Procurement Act explicitly points to aspects related to gender equality and the promotion of women (e.g. in the labour market)in this regard. They may btake the form of of technical specifications, award criteria or contract performance conditions.
Treaty of Nice
The Treaty of Nice features gender equality in articles 3, 13, 137 and 141.
Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union
The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union was proclaimed in 2000, yet was granted primary law status as of 2009 (which coincided with the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty). It contains stipulations on gender equality, notably in art 21 (non-discrimination), art 23 (equality of women and men), art 33 (maternal and parental leave), and art 34 (social security).
Optional Protocol to CEDAW
The Optional Protocol to the CEDAW-Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women complements the latter. Austria ratified the Protocol in 2000.
Amsterdam Treaty
Article 2, article 3 para 2 and article 13 of the Amsterdam Treaty read: “Article 2 (ex Article 2) The Community shall have as its task, by establishing a common market and an economic and monetary union and by implementing common policies or activities referred to in Articles 3 and 4, to promote throughout the Community a harmonious, balanced and sustainable development of economic activities, a high level of employment and of social protection, equality between men and women, sustainable..
Read MoreMaastricht Treaty
In conformity with the principle of continuity, the Maastricht Treaty endorses obligations on equal wages for women and men. Until the Maastricht Treaty entered into force a protocol on the former article 119 had been issues as well as one featuring social policies (protocol 14). Their stipulations were codified by the Maastricht Treaty in the end.
CEDAW Convention
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) aims to eradicate all kinds of discrimination against women in all parts of their lives (marriage, work, social life, education and training, political and public sphere, health and violence). To do so, the parties to the agreement must present a report on the implementation of the convention once every four years.
Further FAQ:
Gender Budgeting – What’s that?
Gender Budgeting – Just another trend? How has it developed?
Gender Budgeting – How does it work?
Gender Budgeting – Who is practising it?
Gender Budgeting – What does all that terminology mean?