The development of a maturity model for gender responsive budgeting at local levelVito, Diamanta (Avtor) Rakar, Iztok (Mentor) Klun, Maja (Komentor) gender-responsive budgetingmaturity modelgender equalitylocal governmentpublic budgetdeveloping countriesAlbaniaThis dissertation explores the development and testing of a Gender-Responsive Budgeting Maturity Model (GRBMM) tailored for local government units (LGUs) in developing countries, with a particular focus on Albania. Despite global advancements in gender equality initiatives, the implementation of gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) remains fragmented, particularly at the local level. Existing GRB frameworks are often designed for national contexts, leaving a critical gap in addressing the needs and capacities of LGUs. This research aims to bridge that gap by introducing a structured, comprehensive GRBMM intended as a tool to facilitate GRB practices within local governance. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining an extensive literature review with empirical data collected from 61 LGUs in Albania. A conceptual framework is developed, centering on four key focus area groups of GRB: gender-responsive planning and budgeting; budget formulation; budget execution, reporting, and monitoring; and evaluation and council oversight. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, GRBMM is validated as a tool for assessing maturity levels across different LGUs. Findings reveal that while some municipalities demonstrate significant progress in integrating gender considerations into their budgeting processes, others face systemic challenges such as limited technical expertise, inadequate funding, and low levels of stakeholder engagement. The research highlights political will as a critical enabler, alongside the importance of capacity-building and participatory governance. This dissertation contributes to the academic discourse on gender equality and public financial management by providing a novel framework applicable to diverse local contexts. Practically, the GRBMM serves as a diagnostic and developmental tool for policymakers and practitioners aiming to institutionalize GRB at the local level. By addressing the unique challenges of LGUs in developing countries, this study advances the goal of embedding gender equality into public governance and resource allocation processes.[D. Vito]20252025-09-11 11:15:01Doktorska disertacija172821sl