Gender mainstreaming in the Nepalese rural transport sector: working towards transformative change

Abstract

Nepal is progressive in mainstreaming gender equality and social inclusion in the rural transport sector. Research studies were conducted using qualitative methods to assess the extent to which people living within the zone of influence of road and bridge projects have benefitted in two rural districts, namely, Ramechhap and Okhaldhunga. The projects in these districts were successful in meeting the quantitative targets. The project's targeting approach to provide employment to women and disadvantaged groups in construction projects had very positive impacts on their livelihoods. With increased incomes, people could send their children to schools, add wealth and start small businesses. However, heavy domestic duties constrain women's potential to participate fully in road/bridge construction. (For full participation, a worker is expected to work in road/bridge construction for 90 days in a year; the wages earned would fulfil their food sufficiency for a year for an economically poor family.) Project quotas for women in user committees have increased their representation, but they are hardly influencing decisions. Participation in training is at times constrained by factors such as women's domestic duties and distance to training venues. These wider issues need more attention in accommodating the specific needs, constraints and vulnerabilities of women to bring genuine transformations in the lives of women.