On September 30, 2025, the World Bank Group (WBG) hosted an internal event in collaboration with the Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) and the Gender Group to assess the first year of implementing its Gender Strategy 2024-2030. The strategy aims to expand opportunities for all by advancing gender equality through more strategic country engagement.
The session drew from a 2024 IEG evaluation that reviewed a decade of gender-related efforts within the WBG. Panelists discussed how countries are adopting new approaches in line with the updated strategy and responding to IEG recommendations. Presentations highlighted findings on enabling country-driven engagement, challenges in implementation, and emphasized bottom-up, context-sensitive approaches. A gender technical report was referenced during these discussions.
Examples of transformative projects were shared from several countries: improvements in health outcomes in Guinea, digital inclusion initiatives in Togo, job creation programs in Senegal, and financial inclusion projects targeting women in Pakistan and Türkiye. These initiatives have demonstrated measurable benefits for women.
Key points from the discussion included recognition of strong collaboration between the Gender Group and IEG as a potential model for future strategies. It was noted that operations tend to implement clear and actionable IEG recommendations effectively.
Speakers emphasized that promoting gender equality is essential for global public good and requires collective action, including integration into macroeconomic policies. They described gender issues as "macrocritical" and stated that applying both macroeconomic and gender perspectives leads to more inclusive and sustainable development.
The event also addressed project implementation practices, highlighting outcome-oriented approaches that can shift attitudes and social norms over time. Scaling up such initiatives may require adapting tools like questionnaires for use by local governments. The need for systematic monitoring of gender-based violence was underscored as important for informing policy decisions.
Gender focal points were credited with helping secure recognition of gender considerations within operations, shaping policy narratives, and improving results.
At the conclusion of the event, speakers expressed optimism about continued progress as implementation enters its second year.