International Development Grant

Policy Leadership and Advocacy for Gender Equality - Phase II

Project Number: CA-3-A031069001

Status: Closed

Country/Region:

Bangladesh 100.00%

Maximum Contribution: $10,419,379.00

Start Date: July 29, 2004

End Date: June 29, 2012

Duration: 7.9 years

Project Description

The project represents the second phase of an initiative that aims to reduce gender gaps and improve the status of women in Bangladesh. Building on the achievements of Phase I the project further strengthens the institutional framework and operational mechanisms that enhance the gender-responsiveness of government policies and programs. Support is directed towards both the policy level (for creating and strengthening enabling policy legislation and regulatory and institutional mechanisms) and the operational level (for efficient and accountable management and administration of public resources ensuring gender equitable outcomes). Project components activities and inputs focus on developing broad-based sustainable capacity within the Ministry of Women's and Children's Affairs selected other ministries (Finance Planning Information Health Education and Local Government) and women's organizations for developing implementing and monitoring gender-responsive policies and programs.

Progress & Results Achieved

Results as of March 2011 include: Significant progress in gender responsive planning budgeting and monitoring in selected government ministries. To ensure ongoing training for government officials in critical areas that affect the quality of government services a trainer’s manual was published. 167 officials in 19 ministries learned how to apply gender-responsive guidelines to official project planning documents and to identify and address gender equality gaps in national plans. Significant progress in “engendering” the budget process was achieved through the training of 114 officers responsible for budgeting from 41 Medium Term Budgetary Framework (MTBF) partner ministries; developing the capacity of a team of 4 Ministry of Finance officers to act as resource persons in conducting training on gender responsive budgeting; and improving the capacity of 26 Ministry of Finance budget officers to provide guidance and hands-on support to partner ministries. Public awareness of the meaning and benefits of gender equality was increased through a television docu-drama shown on national television production of information booklets for Begum Rokeya Day and International Women’s Day and publication of articles on gender equality in newspapers and magazines.

Key Information

Executing Agency:
Cowater International Inc.

Reporting Organization:
Global Affairs Canada

Program:
OGM Indo-Pacific

Last Modified:
September 19, 2025

Development Classifications

DAC Sector:

Public sector policy and administrative management 40%
Democratic participation and civil society 20%
Media and free flow of information 20%
Human rights 20%

Aid Type: Donor country personnel

Collaboration: Bilateral

Finance Type: Aid grant excluding debt reorganisation

Selection Mechanism:
Pre-APP

Policy Markers
Level 2 Gender equality
Level 1 Participatory development and good governance
Major Funding (>$1M)
Budget Breakdown
2003-04-01 to 2004-03-31 $10,419,379 CAD
Geographic Information
000
Project Number: CA-3-A031069001