RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT                                 Empowered citizens, Powerful communities


        Siège social BP 7535 Yaoundé Tel : +237 69999 4085 / +237 67496 0913      Email: ridevcam@ridev.org




            RIDEV’S INPUT FOR THE 2024-2030 WORLD BANK GENDER STRATEGY


     Gender inequality is an issue that has serious consequences in all sectors of life. In sub-Saharan
     Africa, some progress has been made, but in general the situation remains worrying. In addition to
     factors such as conflicts, health disasters and climate change, there is a low level of ownership of
     gender equality issues by many public decision-makers. Several actors at local, regional, and
     national level are slow to join the fight against gender inequalities. It should also be noted that
     technical expertise for gender mainstreaming in sectoral public policies needs to be strengthened
     and better formalized. The urgency of implementing concerted actions to achieve SDG 5 on gender
     equality by 2030 challenges all actors.
      We welcome the orientations of the World Bank's Gender Strategy 2024-2030 "Accelerating
     Gender Equality for a Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Future" We particularly welcome the
     three strategic pillars that have been chosen because they will ultimately make it possible to obtain
     concrete results and above all to mobilize a critical mass of actors who are committed to the battle
     against gender inequalities.


     Nevertheless, we suggest that:

        •   In the design and implementation of sector projects co-financed by the World Bank Group,
            that the issue of gender inequality is not limited to GBV risk prevention and mitigation
            activities and the care of survivors. For projects co-financed by the World Bank (such as
            infrastructure construction), the prevention and response to GBV is integrated into
            environmental and social safeguards. The instruments developed during the preparation of
            projects (Stakeholder Mobilization Plan, in particular) should be subject to greater
            monitoring, regarding pillars 2 and 3 of the gender strategy.
        •   In conflict zones, the presence of the state is usually reduced. On the other hand, civil
            society organizations with good community roots are close to the population. The World
            Bank Group could strengthen collaboration with these CSOs to reach marginalized groups.
        •   Mobilize governments at the central and local levels to take ownership of gender equality
            issues and translate them into concrete and measurable actions. To this end, action in
            synergy with the various development actors and civil society would contribute to
            strengthening this dynamic. In addition, it would be important to emphasize capacity
            building of actors so that they are better equipped to engage, develop strategies, and plan
            concrete and measurable actions.
        •   Particular attention should be paid to the reporting system and the production of quality
            data.
        •    Increase funding to address gender inequality. The implementation of multi-stakeholder and
            adequately funded interventions will accelerate progress towards the goal of gender equality.
            Even a cursory analysis of national budgets shows how low funding for gender issues
            remains.