Regions and Countries

	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 Operations 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 - Vanuatu : III. Sector Strategies

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E. Gender Dimensions of ADB Operations

38. There is growing evidence that reform programs which have focused only on macroeconomic goals such as GDP growth and balance of payments can lead to higher levels of income inequality and a deterioration in the position of women within the community . Because of existing severe inequalities in Vanuatu, and in the interests of equity and sustainability, careful attention has been paid in both the design and implementation of the CRP to ensuring gender impacts are taken into account. The New Zealand Government provided technical advice on how social impact and gender aspects of the reform process might be identified, monitored and addressed as integral parts of the CRP process. While this advice has been incorporated into the CRP, there is community concern that gender issues are being marginalized in practical implementation. ADB is providing specific support through a monitoring and impact assessment specialist to formulate a strategy for measurement and reporting of the broader impacts of the CRP process on vulnerable groups, including women, over a three-year period (1999 to 2001). In addition, ADB is engaged in regular policy dialogue with the Government on the need for more explicit attention to ensuring integration of gender equity issues throughout the CRP. ADB is implementing an ADTA for Capacity Building of Vanuatu National Council of Women in 2000.

8. Buchan, D., Dwyer, M. and Wichman, V. Vanuatu Comprehensive Reform Program: Monitoring and Management of the Social and Gender Impacts, December 1997.

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