Countries and Regions

	Table of Contents
p. 11 of 18 BACK | NEXT I. Country Performance Assessment II. Country Operational Strategy III. Sector Strategies A. Agriculture B. Governance Dimensions of ADB Operations C. Gender Dimensions of ADB Operations D. 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 - Tonga : III. Sector Strategies

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C. Gender Dimensions of ADB Operations

32. The ADBs’ Gender and Development policy seeks to promote gender equity by mainstreaming gender considerations in all ADB operations. Investments in women also make good economic sense, enhancing productivity, economic efficiency and growth prospects. Active effort to promote the participation of women throughout the development process is recognized as crucial to achieving sustainable development. In Tonga, a recent study¹⁰ has highlighted the potential that exists to improve the gender-related development impacts of all ADB-supported programs. These recommendations will be addressed in future programming, as well as in the monitoring and implementation of ongoing activities. One stark example of the potential for improvement has been in the ADB’s support for the provision of credit by the Tonga Development Bank (TDB). Women received only six out of a total of 74 loans disbursed in 1996. The fact that few women overall have benefited from this project is the result of design factors that have not created an enabling environment for women borrowers, such as the nature of the targeted projects (capital/structural development) and the large minimum loan size.

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