Gender and Development

Terms of Reference

1. The main functions of the External Forum on Gender and Development (EFG) are to:
   1. advise the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on critical gender issues in Asia and the Pacific, and related research, policy developments and advocacy that may be relevant to ADB;
   2. provide a forum for dialogue between ADB and different sectors of civil society on ADB's approach and program of activities to address gender equity;
   3. share information about ADB's Policy on Gender and Development (GAD) and progress in its implementation with key stakeholders in member countries;
   4. facilitate discussion with senior ADB officials and offer suggestions for more effective implementation of ADB's Policy on GAD;
   5. advise ADB on innovative and comparative approaches, good practices and lessons related to gender mainstreaming which could be incorporated in ADB financing, strategies, programs and projects; and
   6. provide general guidance to ADB on improving the status of women in Asia and the Pacific in conformity with international human rights norms which member countries have accepted.
   
   
2. The EFG consists of 10 to 15 experts on GAD and women's rights from different ADB member countries, and representing a variety of disciplines and perspectives. EFG members serve for three years, subject to renewal. After the first three years, new appointments to the EFG will be staggered, and not more than one-half of the members will change in any one year. ADB will appoint new members in consultation with the existing EFG. When new members are appointed, the following should be considered: geographical diversity and balance; expertise in gender research or gender issues; and demonstrated commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women. The EFG shall select a chairperson from among its members who will serve for two years. The EFG will meet in full session at least once a year, and EFG members may meet electronically or in smaller groups at other times during the year.
3. ADB's responsibilities to the EFG include:
   1. facilitating EFG meetings, including proposing meeting dates and an agenda, assembling relevant background documents, arranging briefings and discussions with ADB staff, providing secretariat services, and related support;
   2. reimbursing EFG members for travel costs and providing a fixed per diem to cover hotel and other expenses during EFG meetings; and
   3. ensuring that EFG recommendations are shared with ADB Management and relevant staff, and informing EFG members periodically of developments related to ADB's Policy on GAD.
   
   
4. The responsibilities of EFG members to ADB include:
   1. participating in EFG meetings, subject to other outstanding commitments;
   2. producing an outcome document at the end of each meeting for submission to ADB's President and senior staff;
   3. being available, individually or collectively, to advise ADB on specific gender issues in Asia and the Pacific, and to provide feedback on particular ADB activities related to GAD;
   4. periodically convening seminars for ADB staff on gender issues relevant to ADB's operations; and
   5. facilitating greater dialogue and cooperation between ADB and members of civil society in order to improve gender equity in development and promote women's rights.