Inclusion and gender

The EBRD aims to open up economic opportunities to underserved social groups, regardless of gender, place of birth, socio-economic environment, age or other circumstances.

The EBRD’s donors support these activities, increasing access to finance, employment, skills and services for underserved groups.

In 2016 EBRD donors committed €1.9 million for economic inclusion and €2.8 million for gender-specific technical cooperation activities.

For instance, economic inclusion is part of the EBRD’s refugee response plan in Jordan and Turkey.

Donors also contribute to creating environments that promote gender equality in the Bank’s region of operations.

The Gender Advisory Services Programme is funded by the Southern and eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) Multi-Donor Account, SEMED Cooperation Funds Account, TaiwanBusiness-EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund, Japan and EBRD Shareholder Special Fund (SSF).

An example of our 2016 activities under the Programme is the technical cooperation project with Tbilisi’s bus company to improve its human resource policies and practices. The project aims to create better access to employment and training opportunities for female candidates and staff. It also seeks to improve career progression and raise the number of women employed in all roles, particularly among drivers.

The project is the first of its kind in Georgia. We expect it to have a demonstration effect throughout the region.