Catalog

Country Director Focused on Gender
ADB Review [ January - February 2004 ]

Toru Shibuichi Country Director, Bangladesh

Why is it important to deal with gender concerns in development projects?

Women are half the population of Bangladesh. If we do not include them, our projects will only achieve half the intended result or it can further widen the gender gap by putting women in a more unequal situation. Conscious effort is essential to balance development initiatives.

What is the Bangladesh Resident Mission (BRM)’s commitment to gender and development?

To address gender and development issues, BRM recruited a gender and development consultant from 1999 to 2002. In 2003, we converted this to a regular staff position. BRM has coordinated with government agencies concerned and other development partners in understanding and addressing gender issues. Discussions with nongovernment organizations are also held regularly on gender issues. The Country Strategy and Program (August 1999) includes several projects with gender and development focus, and more are planned.

What can ADB do better?

We can achieve better results by allocating adequate resources, ensuring good design, and by properly monitoring the project gender action plans. It is also essential for ADB project staff members to raise pertinent issues with senior policymakers.

How has focusing on gender and development contributed to poverty reduction in Bangladesh?

ADB has helped many women, who unfortunately still comprise the majority of the 65 million Bangladeshis below the poverty line. Support includes microfinance-based self-employment opportunities for poor women; health services for poor slum women and children; a stipend program for poor girls at the secondary education level; and employment opportunities as laborers and maintaining infrastructure.

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