This IMF Working Paper examines how public processes can contribute to improving women's status. Gender budgeting, which refers to the systematic examination of budget programs and policies for their impact on women, has been tried in a range of countries in recent years. This study attempts to show that gender budgeting is just good budgeting; budgeting that properly accounts for the positive externalities that are derived from improving women's opportunities for health care, education, and employment. Studies show that programs and policies designed to improve women's economic opportunities lead to higher rates of economic growth.