Gender and Development

Gender and Development
Updated: 20 October 2009

Inclusive and sustainable growth in Asia and the Pacific is unachievable if a half of the population is left behind.

When the economies of the Asia and Pacific region grew rapidly, many women still suffered from inequality in income and living standards. With the recent and ongoing global economic crisis, the situation may further exacerbate. Urgent and concerted actions are needed to invest in narrowing gender gaps and empowering women and girls.

ADB's Policy on Gender and Development (1998) reflects our commitment to promoting women's economic and social empowerment and their 'voice'. This is an integral part of achieving ADB's goal of poverty reduction through inclusive and sustainable growth. ADB's Strategy 2020 (2008) highlights gender equality as a driver of change in the region.

We publish knowledge products, such as country and sector specific reports, and checklists and toolkits to inform our strategies and programs. We integrate gender equality considerations in the design and implementation of investment projects.

With donors' support, we carry out capacity development, and activities which directly benefit women. We interact with development partners and with the External Forum on Gender and Development.

Read a summary of how ADB responds to the challenges of gender inequality in the region.