Our work

In the EBRD regions – as well as in many other parts of the world – women still face numerous difficulties in accessing the same economic opportunities as men. From labour practices that give women lower pay to legal and cultural barriers restricting their access to jobs, finance and property ownership, there are many ways in which economic systems continue to favour men over women.

The EBRD recognises gender equality as a key driver for sustainable transition and inclusive growth across its regions and believes that equality of economic opportunity for women and men is a key element of a modern, well-functioning market economy and essential for sustainable growth.

The economic transition has changed the nature of men’s and women’s participation in the economies of the countries where the EBRD works. Both have generally experienced greater job insecurity, reduction of state employment and the need for new skills and ways of generating income. Women, however, have experienced even higher unemployment rates than men and lower wage levels. Significant differences between men’s and women’s work by sector, occupation and type, (vertical and horizontal gender segregation) have also emerged.

The EBRD promotes gender equality through its transition approach as well as through actively incorporating gender equality measures across its operations. The Strategy for the Promotion of Gender Equality (SPGE 2021-2025), approved by the Board in November 2021, reflects these commitments. by outlining three key focus areas to steer the Bank's investments and policy engagement to promote gender equality: building inclusive and gender-responsive financial systems and business environments, broadening access to skills employment and sustainable livelihoods, and creating inclusive and gender-responsive services and public goods.

The strategy applies four thematic lenses: green economy, digital economy, care economy, and voice, agency and gender-based violence and harassment. The Strategy is supported by the Bank’s Environmental and Social Policy which takes into consideration the environmental and social impacts and risks of the Bank’s projects.

The SPGE has calibrated investments to promote gender equality in the corporate and SME sectors to strengthen women’s employment in technical jobs as well as in meaningful leadership positions and equipping them with skills for the future. Clients have applied Equal Opportunity Action Plans (EOAPs) as key tool to attract female talent in key sectors and become employers of choice, particularly in labour markets with workforce shortages and in sectors where women are underrepresented. Having scaled up focus on SOGI inclusion, the Bank signed its first project to support a client in Mongolia with developing training and capacity building to better respond to the needs of their staff who identify as LGBTI individuals. Promoting access to gender-responsive services and public goods has been a major focus, with investments aiming at addressing GBVH and unpaid care work and scaling up safe and universally accessible infrastructure services. In the energy sector, the EBRD has been active in promoting women's participation through initiatives such as the "Young Women in Wind" programme in Türkiye, which offers scholarships and mentorship opportunities for female students. The Bank has also supported gender-responsive policies and training programmes within energy companies to increase the share of women in technical and leadership roles.