24 January 2014: The African Development Bank (AfDB) announced its new Gender Strategy for the 2014-2018 period, which aims to strengthen the Bank’s gender expertise in field operations, and appoint gender equality “champions.” AfDB said it will prioritize implementation of the strategy in relation to its engagement with fragile states, and on issues of agriculture and food security.

AfDB Special Envoy on Gender Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi called the strategy “a major milestone” for the Bank, saying it is a foundation for realizing the post-2015 development agenda. The Bank applies gender indicators and conducts consultations with women on project design.

The Gender Strategy prioritizes three aims: strengthening women’s legal and property rights; promoting women’s economic empowerment; and enhancing knowledge management and capacity building on gender equality. The Gender Strategy is aligned with the Bank’s 2013-2022 Strategy on inclusive growth, aiming to broaden opportunities for both women and men. [AfDB Press Release] [AfDB Interview with Special Envoy]