Public procurement, simply put, is the process of buying goods, works, and services by the public sector. At first glance, it may seem like the only stakeholders are the government employees making the purchases and the suppliers providing the goods and services. However, public procurement is far more complex, involving a wide range of stakeholders—from policymakers and academics to environmentalists, lobbyists, and the general public. 

One key group in this mix is civil society organizations. Their role is crucial not only in monitoring existing public procurement systems but also in driving efforts to make them more sustainable and gender responsive. These organizations help guide countries toward value-based purchasing—considering sustainability, equality, equity, ethics, and more—rather than simply opting for the cheapest option. In doing so, they also support the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

To delve deeper into how civil society organizations are influencing sustainable and gender-responsive public procurement, ESR 10, Dibya Rathi, presents the attached working paper. This paper explores whether public procurement concerns civil society and how these organizations are working to ensure a more sustainable and equitable future in procurement practices. 

This study examines the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in promoting gender-inclusive and sustainable public procurement. Through interviews with five diverse CSOs—Electronics Watch, Eating City, Swedwatch, Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO), and ISLE Association—this research highlights their significant influence on public procurement. CSOs regard public procurement as vital for promoting fair resource distribution, human rights, and gender equality. They engage in policy advocacy, advisory roles, capacity development, and due diligence, with some focusing on specific sectors like electronics and food procurement, others are spread over multiple sectors. Despite challenges such as limited funding and resources, CSOs collaborate with governments, academia, and other stakeholders to improve procurement policies and practices. Effective public procurement requires CSOs’ active participation to ensure sustainability and gender equality. The study underscores the need for enhanced support and recognition of CSOs in public procurement to achieve broader sustainability goals. Future research should expand the range of CSOs studied and employ quantitative methods for a comprehensive analysis of their impact.

Keywords: public procurement, sustainability, gender-equality, civil society organizations