Countries and Regions

	Table of Contents
p. 13 of 20 BACK | NEXT I. Country Performance Assessment II. Country Operational Strategy III. Sector Strategies A. Agriculture B. Infrastructure C. Social Infrastructure and Environment D. Governance Dimensions of ADB Operations E. Gender Dimensions of ADB Operations F. Private Sector Development IV. Regional Cooperation V. Donor Activities and Aid Coordination VI. Cofinancing and Catalyzing External Resources VII. ADB’s Operational Program VIII. Economic and Sector Work Program IX. Local Cost Financing

Country Assistance Plans - Bhutan : III. Sector Strategies

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E. Gender Dimensions of ADB Operations

78. The Bank's assistance in the past had not addressed gender issues directly because of the limited incidence of gender discrimination in the country. The laws of the country provide women with equal status and freedom as men. However, participation of women in economic activities has not yet been adequately addressed. The Bank's future assistance to the country, particularly the proposed basic skills development project, will address gender issues with emphasis on skills development for girls. The proposed Health Sector Care Reform Program in 2000 includes measures to ensure female health workers at basic health units to attend to female patients. A County Briefing Paper on Women is being finalized to assess gender issues in the country and to identify how the ADB could further promote Bhutanese women's role in development through policy support and capacity building. A Social Sector Profile has also been prepared to present an overview of social sector issues in Bhutan. The Profile examines the constraints and opportunities in health and nutrition, education and training, water supply and sanitation sectors; and identifies ADB's strategy for future assistance in the relevant sectors.

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