This Technical Guidance Note (TGN) is part of a series of documents on integrating gender equality into the sector operations of Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The Notes identify key issues which lead to, and reinforce gender inequality, and propose possible solutions for addressing them.

This specific TGN focuses on Private Sector Development (PSD) Operations. The main disadvantages in the area of PSD are disproportionately experienced by women, particularly at the low-income levels. Those women-owned businesses (WOBs) tend to be in low-productivity and low-growth sectors. They face limited access to finance, networking support and market information. They are also challenged by a lack of collateral and business skills. Research shows that women who own businesses have to balance their work with family responsibilities and face a lack of affordable care services, which

The expectation is that the TGN will assist the relevant field officers, technical specialists and decision-makers in effectively infusing gender equality into the Region’s private sector development.