This manual is aimed at advisors who work on economic development and value chain development issues. Women and men are likely to be involved at different stages of the chain. Those areas where women are involved are often less visible but may constitute critical links at which change and/or upgrading should occur in order to bring about development of the chain (home working, putting out, temporary work, etc.). Addressing those stages in the chain is therefore indispensable in developing the chain. Mainstreaming gender in the value chain leads to positive effects on poverty reduction, as women tend to spend their income more on health and education services. Generally speaking, mainstreaming gender in every intervention area leads to the inclusive and sustainable development of societies.