1. Launching SAPIENS Network Policy Brief Series

The SAPIENS Network is pleased to introduce its Policy Brief Series, designed to showcase the expertise and insights of our network’s early stage researchers. Policy briefs are concise documents that distill key research findings into actionable recommendations, providing early stage researchers with a platform to influence decision-making processes. These briefs serve as vital tools for translating research into policy, offering evidence-based solutions to pressing societal challenges. By disseminating these succinct analyses, the SAPIENS Network aims to bridge the gap between research and policy, catalyzing positive change and promoting evidence-informed decision-making. This series highlights our commitment to facilitating dialogue, driving impactful policy agendas, and empowering early stage researchers to address complex issues effectively.

2. First Policy Brief

Our first working paper comes from ESR 10, Dibya Rathi, who is working on Gender Responsive Public Procurement with a focus on Women-Owned Businesses at the Corvinus University of Budapest. 

In the realm of public procurement, gender equality is not just a buzzword—it’s a crucial aspect of creating fair and inclusive business practices. That’s why we’re thrilled to highlight the work of ESR 10, Dibya Rathi, in advocating for gender-inclusive policies within public procurement. Dibya’s policy brief sheds light on the persistent barriers faced by women-owned businesses in accessing government contracts. Backed by thorough research and analysis, she reveals the glaring causes of gender gap in procurement and proposes a tangible solution: implementing reservations for female entrepreneurs in public procurement tenders.

This isn’t just about meeting diversity quotas; it’s about unleashing the full potential of our economies. By actively supporting women-owned businesses, we not only foster gender equality but also drive economic growth and innovation. Supplier diversity isn’t just a feel-good concept anymore—it’s a strategic imperative for success.

Dibya’s recommendations offer practical solutions to women’s rights policy advocacy organizations in public procurement, including establishing supportive mechanisms and clear eligibility criteria to ensure the integrity of the reservation system. These measures not only level the playing field but also pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future.

3. Abstract

What: This policy brief promotes the need for a tender reservation system to promote the participation of women-owned businesses in public procurement. It addresses the policy problem of gender disparities in access to business opportunities by presenting research findings that support the implementation of reservations for female-owned businesses.

How: The research methodology involves a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed literature on gender inequality issues faced by women in procurement. The key finding reveals the existence of a gender participation gap and shows males and females have different skill sets; by the addition of female suppliers, procurement benefits from supplier diversity as well as diversity within the teams.

Recommendation: The policy brief emphasizes the importance of implementing gender-based reservations in public procurement tenders to level the playing field and create opportunities for female entrepreneurs.

Join us in advocating for gender equality in public procurement. Read Dibya’s policy brief and be part of the movement towards a more inclusive procurement landscape. Together, let’s empower women-owned businesses and drive a positive change in our communities through procurement.