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 - Lao People's Democratic Republic : III. Sector Strategies

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E. Gender Dimensions of ADB Operations

75. ADB’s strategy places particular emphasis on gender issues. In Lao PDR, efficient and effective development and utilization of the untapped labor pool is essential for economic development. Women, especially those who live in remote and rural areas, are the most disadvantaged, illiterate and overburdened in society. Relief from household poverty and food insecurities would represent a vital step. Women are traditionally primary production managers, small enterprise traders, primary cash earners, small-credit users, and key agriculturists. They also play a key role in the development of the extremely weak social infrastructure, particularly in education and health.

76. To achieve these potential benefits, a number of interventions over the program period are planned to target women in investment projects. They include: Primary Health Care Expansion Project in 2000, which will have an increased focus on women’s health; Second Education Quality Improvement Project in 2001, which will include components to target girls and young women; Rural Finance Development Project in 2003, which will focus on women in the provision of microfinance; and Health Sector Efficiency and Management in 2003 (standby), which will target the need for increased efficiency in the management and provision of health services.

77. A number of gender-oriented TA activities are also planned during the program period. These include: Poverty Assessment Study (ADTA in 2000); Capacity Building for Primary Health Care Management (ADTA in 2000); Strengthening the Lao Women’s Union at the Provincial and District Level (ADTA in 2001); Institutional Strengthening of Poverty Monitoring Systems (ADTA in 2001); Strengthening Decentralized Education Management (ADTA in 2002); Northern and Central Water Supply and Sanitation Sector (PPTA in 2002); and Education Sector Development (PPTA in 2003). In addition, the national Gender and Poverty workshop is scheduled during 2000 to discuss women’s concerns based upon the findings of participatory poverty analysis.

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