The first networking meeting of the Gender Budget Watchdog Network was held from 24 to 26 of August in Žabljak (Montenegro). The meeting was attended by representatives of all organizations that make up the consortium, and an online streaming was organized for those members who were not able to attend.
The meeting outlined the activities to be implemented in the next period, and a new work plan was agreed which includes preparation of three new analyzes, advocacy for policy changes, public debates in the national parliaments of the implementing countries, a second study visit, etc.
Additionally, the text of three strategic documents that will help in the expansion of the network, its visibility, as well as the way it will work and make decisions at the moment when new members start to join, was determined.
Finally, in order to get to know each other better and further build the team, the attendees raised their adrenaline spirit by rafting on the Tara River, whereas the bravest ones drove on a “zip line”. Additional brainstorming activities also took place on the coast of the Black Lake.
The Centre for Civil Society Promotion (CCSP), together with regional partners – Center for Research and Policy Making from North Macedonia, Gender Alliance for Development Center from Albania, Kosovo Women’s Network from Kosovo, Women’s Action from Montenegro, Gender Knowledge Hub from Serbia, and Keystone from Moldova, is implementing a three-year project “Gender Budget Watchdog Network in the Western Balkans and the Republic of Moldova”. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of organizations in the field of gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) and related issues. The project is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).