Joint civil society statement on the draft EBRD Gender Equality and Human Capital Strategy

Joint statement    |    27 April 2026

At a time when gender equality is facing a growing backlash and hard-won progress is being reversed, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) draft Gender Equality and Human Capital Strategy acknowledges the many structural barriers affecting women and LGBTIQ+ people. However, experience from civil society shows that current approaches often fall short in practice, failing to address the root causes of inequality or respond to the rapidly changing political and economic context.

Together with 27 civil society organisations, Bankwatch has issued a joint statement calling on the EBRD to strengthen its strategy. They urge the Bank to adopt a more ambitious, rights-based approach that tackles backlash and addresses structural inequalities to ensure inclusive and accountable development outcomes.