Vision for Gender Equality in Asia and the Pacific by 2030: Possible Future Directions for Asian Development Bank’s Gender Work

Abstract

In developing a new long-term strategic framework (Strategy 2030), ADB will be responding to the continuing and emerging challenges facing its developing member countries (DMCs), and aligning its operations with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Having made considerable progress in mainstreaming gender concerns in its operations under its current Strategy 2020 and related results framework, ADB has significant opportunities to build on these successes through the new Strategy 2030. This paper is intended to explore the gender dimensions of some of the major trends and challenges facing the Asia and Pacific region, in order to identify key gender-related priorities for countries in the region, and possible future directions for ADB’s gender work under Strategy 2030. The paper first reviews several regional trends and challenges and their broad gender dimensions, including: (i) demographic shifts and their implications for human development; (ii) economic growth, inequality and poverty; (iii) migration and urbanization; (iv) climate change and natural disasters; (v) infrastructure, technology and innovation; and (vi) governance, voice and agency.