Women’s Policy Group NI Responds to Department for Infrastructure Budget EQIA 2025-26
June 2025 – The Women’s Policy Group (WPG) NI has released its response to the Department for Infrastructure's (DfI) Budget Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for the fiscal year 2025-26. WPG is a group of policy experts and practitioners who advocate collectively for women and girls by promoting gender equality through an intersectional feminist lens.
Introduction
The WPG is dedicated to challenging systemic injustice and discrimination affecting women and girls by informing society and influencing policy and law. This work is informed by the lived experiences of women and girls and rooted in international human rights law.
Key Points from the Response
Positive Shift in EQIA Approach: The WPG commends the DfI for moving away from the common practice of not considering possible mitigations in the EQIA. This change is seen as a positive step towards more inclusive and effective budget planning.
Human Rights Impact: The response highlights the importance of adhering to international human rights obligations, particularly the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The WPG stresses that budget cuts should not roll back existing rights, especially for those with protected characteristics.
Gender Budgeting: The WPG advocates for the implementation of gender budgeting to ensure that budget allocations promote gender equality. This approach encourages transparency, better policy outcomes, and a more targeted use of public funds.
Intersectional Analysis: The response emphasizes the need for an intersectional analysis of budget impacts, considering the multiple and intersecting identities of women. This approach is crucial for understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by different groups.
Call for Detailed Mitigations: The WPG urges the DfI to provide detailed information on planned mitigations in the final budget. This includes outlining potential funding areas that cannot be addressed and any considered but unaffordable mitigations.
Conclusion
The WPG appreciates the improvements in the DfI's EQIA process and encourages continued progress towards more inclusive and equitable budget planning. For further information or to discuss the response in detail, please contact Elaine Crory, Women’s Sector Lobbyist at WRDA, at elaine.crory@wrda.net.
Contact Information
Elaine Crory
Women’s Sector Lobbyist
Women’s Resource and Development Agency
Email: elaine.crory@wrda.net