Women in Development Operating Policy, IADB

Intended as a further step in reinforcing Bank-supported, beneficiary-oriented policies and projects. It recognizes that development is a process that must fully involve both men and women. It endeavors to identify key areas and the means by which women's more active participation and greater access to benefits could be enhanced. Higher productivity of all women as part of the general project population signifies a more efficient use of resources invested and greater project success. At the same time, taking the disadvantaged position of women in the lower-income strata and their increasing economic responsibilities for the upkeep of their families into account, this policy pays attention to supporting activities that address their needs in both rural and urban areas. Such a policy is by its very nature multisectoral. It includes directly productive activities as well as those related to training and institutional organization, stressing elements to be pursued within the general framework of normal Bank operations in the various sectors as appropriate. [author]