ORÇAMENTO, GOVERNANÇA E (DES)IGUALDADE DE GÊNERO NO NOROESTE PAULISTA: análise das Regiões de Araçatuba, Barretos e São José do Rio Preto

This study assesses the existence of public policies aimed at gender equality in municipalities located in the northwestern region of the state of São Paulo, specifically within the Administrative Regions of Araçatuba, Barretos, and São José do Rio Preto. The research begins with the recognition that, despite normative advances, gender inequality persists, manifesting in wage disparities, political underrepresentation, and unequal access to rights. The objective is to analyze the inclusion of gender-related themes in the initial Multi-Year Plans (PPAs) of the municipalities, the execution of related budget allocations, and local governance structures, in addition to evaluating the role of the São Paulo State Court of Accounts (TCESP) in overseeing these policies.The methodology combines qualitative and quantitative approaches, involving documentary analysis of municipal regulations, institutional websites, and public data. Results show that only 5.37% of the cities analyzed included specific programs for women in their PPAs, and even among those, implementation is often insufficient. Moreover, less than 18% of seats in municipal councils are held by women, highlighting a significant representational gap. The study concludes that there is a lack of strategic planning for gender equity, calling for concrete actions from public managers and the TCESP, including training and preventive oversight to ensure more effective gender-focused public policies.