Abstract:
This brief draws on a recent review of evidence and in-depth country studies supported by the Growth and Economic Opportunities for Women – East Africa initiative on the state of gender integration in government procurement programs, policies and practices and its role in WEE in East Africa. It identifies existing initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in public procurement as well as existing challenges for women in participating and thriving in the procurement process. Focusing on five countries — Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia — the brief highlights some of the measures that have been taken to promote gender equality in their procurement frameworks, and ultimately, contribute to WEE. The key finding is that public procurement as a tool to advance WEE is not being implemented to its full potential and that many countries struggle to fully integrate women in their procurement schemes. Gender responsive policies and practices can help governments achieve gender equality by addressing the barriers that prevent women from fully integrating the procurement system.
