Gender-Smart Public Works Programs : Making Public Works More Inclusive

Overview & Synopsis

Women often face multiple, gender-specific barriers, such as mobility constraints, and care obligations, that prevent them from accessing income-generating activities, including public works programs (PWPs). A range of “gender-smart” design features can be incorporated in PWPs to enhance women’s ability to participate in and benefit from them. For example, the distance to work sites can be minimized, program design can include on-site childcare solutions, and work schedules can be made more flexible. Such features can not only help programs address gender gaps but can also enhance the programs’ overall impact. This note discusses how PWPs can integrate gender-smart design and delivery features to help more women participate and benefit.