This manuscriptCroatia examinesGender-responsive budgeting (GRB) the development and challenges of gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) in Croatia, highlighting its importance for advancing gender equality. Despite international commitments and evidence that GRB can address gender disparities, Croatia has yet to systematically implement GRB at the national level, with only sporadic analyses and minimal budget allocations for gender-related initiatives. Local efforts, particularly in Zagreb and Split, show greater promise, with pilot projects, workshops, and analyses aiming to integrate gender perspectives into municipal budgets and policies. However, the process faces significant obstacles, including limited data, lack of systematic evaluation, and insufficient political commitment. Recent income tax reforms granting greater fiscal autonomy to local governments present new opportunities for integrating gender perspectives into both revenue and expenditure decisions. The manuscript concludes that sustained political commitment, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and ongoing capacity building are essential for embedding GRB in Croatia’s public finance system and achieving substantive gender equality.