The main research question of this study To what extent do post-conflict reconstruction initiatives allocate resources to promote gender equality, address women's needs and involve women in decision-making around strategies and related resource allocations?

This booklet was commissioned by the Southern African Regional Office (SARO) of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). UNIFEM has been supporting GRB work in the region for many years. It sees this booklet as yet another way in which it can link the work on GRB and rights.

This book aims to contribute to the evolving understanding of public expenditure management as a political, rather than a purely technical, process. In particular, it explores the ways in which a rights approach can contribute to strengthening pro-poor voice and outcomes in budget processes.