Member States of the Council of Europe agree that gender equality can be implemented in practice, if policies are gender sensitive and supported by adequate budgets which, in their process of elaboration are based on gender analysis and integrate a gender perspective. Successful achievement of gender equality is linked to the necessary implementation of both gender equality policies and a gender mainstreaming strategy, including gender budgeting.

Governments have the responsibility for implementing international commitments on gender equality and empowerment of women. With the adoption of the Declaration “Making gender equality a reality” during the Council of Europe Ministerial session in Madrid in May 2009, member states renewed their commitment to achieve de jure and de facto gender equality through the implementation of relevant policies and strategies. Gender budgeting at national, local and regional levels is an essential strategy to ensure that women benefit from public-sector expenditures, thus contributing to the achievement of de jure and de facto gender equality.