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. The project’s targeting approach to provide employment to women and disadvantaged groups in construction projects had very positive impacts on their livelihoods. However, heavy domestic duties constrain women’s potential to participate fully, they are hardly influencing decisions and participation in training is at times constrained by factors such as women’s domestic duties and distance to training venues. This work is part of the Applied Research on Rural Roads and Transport Services through Community Access Programmes in Africa and Asia (AFCAP2 and AsCAP)