Gender and Development

Gender and Development
Updated: 11 August 2008

In the Asia and Pacific region, poverty has a woman's face.

Two thirds of the world's poor live in the region — most are women. In many societies, women are denied access to basic services and assets such as land, and excluded from decision-making.

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.

We publish analytical work, 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.

Spotlight

On 31 July 2008, ADB President accepts the MDG3 Champion Torch from Danish Government, adding new commitments to support gender equality and women's empowerment. See ADB's commitments. [ PDF: 17kb | 1 page ] Learn about Denmark's Global MDG3 Champion Torch Initiative.*