Gender Mainstreaming at the IDB: A Report to the Board of Executive Directors on the Implementation of the WID Action Plan 1998-2001

This report, covering the 1998-01 period, is the fourth in a series of periodic reports to the Executive Board of Directors, as set out in the Operating Policy on Women in Development (1987). It examines progress in mainstreaming gender issues and women's concerns throughout all areas of Bank activity from 1998 to 2001. It documents lessons learned in applying a gender analysis to enhance the equity impacts and efficiency of Bank projects. It also analyzes future challenges and offers suggestions for taking advantage of the opportunities for the period ahead. An external evaluation of the work of the Bank in mainstreaming WID and gender issues conducted in 2001 has served as a valuable input to this report. Importantly, it includes information on Bank-wide actions and efforts stemming from all offices of the Bank.