Maximising the benefits of infrastructure programmes

Some of the most important regional development programmes focus on infrastructure – from road building to energy networks to water and sewage systems – which help generate economic and social benefits for a region. To maximise those benefits, however, it is essential that infrastructure assets are designed to take into account the needs of the whole population. That’s why the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development now seeks to understand gender issues around infrastructure projects, and has appointed OPM to conduct gender analysis studies of some of the infrastructure programmes it invests in.

 
The motivation for mainstreaming gender in infrastructure projects comes from the recognition in development policy and practice that such projects are not gender neutral. Women and men have different needs and priorities. This has been recognised for some years in transport projects, where a body of evidence shows that there are common gender differences in preferences for pedestrian areas, traffic control mechanisms, transport services, road safety and accessibility. However, project experience has shown that these gender differentiated needs are rarely captured without gender analysis, and rarely addressed without a gender action plan that is regularly monitored.

 

In Romania, the EBRD requested gender analysis of a proposed project to modernise approximately 30 kilometres of primary and secondary streets and public lighting in the centre of Sfantu Gheorghe. OPM studied the project plans, the demographics of the town and its existing transport infrastructure and then conducted a range of field work including focus groups with male and female residents and interviews with the planners. The study revealed significant differences in travel patterns between men and women and in the type of transportation commonly used – with women more likely to walk to work and to travel more during the day. There were differences in attitudes to street lighting and the importance of pavements. These differences were then built into a gender action plan which led to some changes in the original project design: pavement renovation become a higher priority and safety of cyclists and pedestrians included in feasibility studies.

 

OPM has also conducted a gender analysis of the Adjara Solid Waste Project in Georgia, which aims to make solid waste management compliant with EU standards.  The report identified a number of areas in solid waste management where gender considerations should be taken into account. These range from fundamental differences between men and women in agreeing what waste is – rather than items or materials that can be repaired or reused – to the fact that in many countries women have the prime responsibility for managing domestic waste and so are more inclined to want waste receptacles near the home. The report also considered the employment roles of women within the waste management industry, and the practical challenges in giving women a voice in the planning processes.