Business environment constraints are not gender-neutral. This statement is contrary to the widespread perception amongst many business environment reform programs. Drawing predominantly from interviews with former Essor GESI advisors, as well as annual review and evaluation documents, the first part of this brief explores Essor’s GESI mainstreaming experience, identifying key successes and lessons learned from this journey. The second part of this report offers an updated framework for GESI in BER, as well as guidance for BER programs seeking to effectively mainstream GESI. This document is intended for BER practitioners, as well as donors financing BER programs.

Credit: Art work courtesy of Eddie Budiongo