Reducing the cost of gender-based violence through inclusive budgeting

Gender-based violence is an insidious manifestation of inequality between the genders. It takes the form of acts of violence inflicted on a person because of their gender, disproportionately affecting women. This violence takes place both in the private sphere, within the home, and in the public sphere, in professional or social contexts. It can take physical, sexual, psychological or economic forms, and today includes digital violence such as cyberbullying.

Beyond the visible wounds, gender-based violence is a violation of fundamental rights and an obstacle to equality. It is also a major obstacle to individual and collective emancipation.

European statistics reveal the scale of the phenomenon. According to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), one in ten women in the European Union has experienced some form of sexual violence since the age of 15, and one in twenty has been the victim of rape. More than 20% of women have experienced violence from an intimate partner, and 43% have experienced psychologically abusive or controlling behaviour in a relationship. These figures, although alarming, are probably underestimates, as many victims do not report the violence they have suffered.

The economic consequences are just as damning. Violence against women costs the European Union around 289 billion euros a year, according to the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE). This figure includes lost productivity, medical costs and support and protection services. Then there are the costs of cyber-violence against women and girls, estimated by the European Parliament Research Service (EPRS) at between €49 billion and €89.3 billion a year.

Gender budgeting is an essential tool for responding to this dual economic and social emergency. It involves analysing and allocating budgetary resources in such a way as to respond to and reduce gender inequalities. Unlike traditional budgeting, which can ignore the differentiated impacts of public policies, this approach highlights how the allocation of public funds can influence the lives of women and men in different ways. By integrating a gender perspective into resource allocation, governments can not only reduce inequalities but also prevent and mitigate the effects of gender-based violence.

The Gender Flagship project, funded by the European Union through the Technical Support Instrument, is a perfect illustration of this approach. Led by Expertise France, in partnership with the European University Institute (EUI) and the EIGE, this project is helping twelve administrations in nine Member States to integrate these practices.

 With the support of Expertise France, the city of Strasbourg has developed, tested and launched innovative tools to identify and document measures, interventions and budgets dedicated to the prevention, response and risk reduction of violence against women. These advances strengthen our ability to take targeted and effective action against such violence. Christelle Wieder, Deputy Mayor of Strasbourg, responsible for women's rights and gender equality, Eurometropolitan Councillor.

The reforms introduced through gender budgeting enable resources to be better allocated. For example, investing in education and awareness-raising programmes on egalitarian behaviour helps to prevent violence. Similarly, improved services for victims reduce their long-term impact on individuals and society.

The ultimate aim of gender budgeting is to promote sustainable structural reforms. These reforms make it possible to create fairer policies that protect vulnerable populations while ensuring better use of public resources. Consequently, by acting upstream and investing strategically, governments can reduce the socio-economic costs of gender-based violence and foster a more equitable environment.

As a technical cooperation agency, Expertise France plays an essential role in supporting Member States' structural reforms by working hand in hand with partner authorities to ensure that the tools and methodologies proposed are adapted to their national and local contexts. This close collaboration aims to ensure that practices are adopted in a sustainable way. Integrating gender budgeting into public policies is not only a response to inequalities, but also a means of reducing the socio-economic costs of gender-based violence. The Gender Flagship project demonstrates that concrete actions, supported by international cooperation, can generate lasting impacts for a fairer society.