Document Abstract
Published:
2013
Gender and urban poverty in South Asia: proceedings report of the 2012 subregional workshop
Highlighting the link between gender and socially inclusive urban development programmes
This report is the product of a sub-regional workshop on Gender and Urban Poverty in South Asia. The report highlights key gender issues in urban development and lessons learned from good practices that are achieving both gender equality results and sustainable urban development outcomes.
Demonstrating the links between gender and socially inclusive urban development programs, the paper states that women are particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with urban poverty.
Findings encompass:
Identically, the document suggests the following common approaches to gender and socially inclusive urban planning and governance:
Moreover, the author suggests that gender-inclusive delivery of urban infrastructure and services should be strengthened. In particular, the paper emphasises that gendered investments in this field can have significant impacts on gender equality and women’s empowerment. The document illustrates that this can reduce women’s time poverty and improve their capabilities through access to resources, economic opportunities, and decision-making power.
Demonstrating the links between gender and socially inclusive urban development programs, the paper states that women are particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with urban poverty.
Findings encompass:
- most urban development policies do not explicitly address gender and social issues in South Asia developing member countries
- South Asian women have weak participation and low representation in decision-making structures and processes related to urban services and governance
- as a result, women’s needs and priorities are rarely considered in urban planning and investments
Identically, the document suggests the following common approaches to gender and socially inclusive urban planning and governance:
- in-depth surveys and separate consultations to understand the different needs and priorities of men and women
- awareness-raising campaigns to promote women’s participation in preparing community action plans
- mandatory quotas for women’s representation in local decision-making structures
- partnerships between municipal bodies, the private sector, and local NGOs and CBOs to empower women to become change agents in their communities
- integrate gender-inclusive measures in the operational work and institutional strategies of the government agencies and their counterparts
Moreover, the author suggests that gender-inclusive delivery of urban infrastructure and services should be strengthened. In particular, the paper emphasises that gendered investments in this field can have significant impacts on gender equality and women’s empowerment. The document illustrates that this can reduce women’s time poverty and improve their capabilities through access to resources, economic opportunities, and decision-making power.
