Bankwatch comments on the EBRD’s draft 2026–2030 Gender Equality and Human Capital Strategy

Policy comments    |    13 April 2026

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) draft Gender Equality and Human Capital Strategy for 2026–2030 acknowledges the existence of persistent structural barriers to inclusion. It recognises widespread inequalities, including unequal access to economic opportunities, finance, infrastructure, and services, as well as discrimination and gender-based violence. Bankwatch welcomes the Bank’s commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusion through this strategy.
However, in its policy comments, the CEE Bankwatch Network explains that, given the stagnation or even reversal of global progress in this area, the Strategy must be more ambitious and effective. The EBRD must strengthen implementation, targets and accountability in order to translate its commitments into tangible, inclusive outcomes for women and underserved groups.