Gender and Public Procurement

Governments around the world are the largest buyers. Procurement spending on goods, works, and services generates trillions of dollars in economic activity. It accounts for 12 percent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), representing 10 to 15 percent of the GDP in developed countries and up to 30 to 40 percent in least developed countries.

The gender analysis of the Public Procurement law and the policy guidance note are addressed to policy and decision makers in Lebanon, in both the public and private spheres. It is addressed as well to the executive branch of government and particularly the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) whose mission is to oversee and regulate the public procurement system and design and put into effects procurement policies as per the Public Procurement Law no. 244/2021.

The note also proposes policy recommendations to practically introduce gender-responsive public procurement in Lebanon. It is intended as a guidance and advocacy tool presenting standards and good practices applied globally. It is informed by 1) the findings of a gender analysis of Law no. 244, 2) an enterprise survey and 3) consultation with decision makers and the business community.

This report was commissioned by UN Women, with the support of the Institut des Finances Basil Fuleihan. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of UN Women or the Institut.