March 2015: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has identified priorities for financing gender equality in the implementation of the post-2015 development agenda, based on a study of development aid spending on gender equality aims since the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were adopted.

The study by the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Network on Gender Equality (GENDERNET) shows that official development aid (ODA) for gender equality more than tripled over the course of the MDGs, and was mainly spent in the education and health sectors. The authors find that women’s economic contributions continue to be overlooked, and draw attention to “significant underinvestment” in gender equality in the economic and productive sectors, especially finance, banking and energy. They observe a downward trend in supporting sexual and reproductive health and rights, and low levels of aid towards ending violence against women.

The authors recommend directing aid funds toward addressing these gaps, with reference to commitments on gender equality and women’s rights contained in the proposed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They advise investing and partnering with women’s organizations, saying these are often at the forefront of state-building and peace-building efforts. Noting that tax policies have great potential to reduce gender inequality, they suggest that “smart ODA” could leverage countries’ tax revenue to support gender equality priorities and gender-responsive public financial management systems. [Publication: From Commitment to Action: Financing Gender Equality and Women’s Rights in the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals] [GENDERNET Webpage]