Poor women are interested in and can benefit from employment opportunities in earthworks and construction work for water infrastructure. Mandating equal daily wages for women and men in construction is an important statement in support of women’s rights as well as a practical step for women, although continued follow-up is required to ensure implementation of this principle. Women’s involvement in project planning and management is important to motivate and mobilize other women to participate; also important is awareness among women of the specific benefits to be gained from participation. 

A detailed gender action plan (GAP) that is based on a gender analysis and sets out activities, responsibilities, and indicators for each sub-project implementation stage provides an important management and monitoring tool. Setting specific targets for women’s participation in project activities and management also provides a useful focus for action and progress monitoring. Awareness building at the management level of the executing agency (headquarters and the field) has proved helpful in generating practical ideas about how to mainstream gender equality and involve women in the project.

This case study is part of an ADB publication titled Gender Equality Results Case Studies: Bangladesh that contain case studies that provide an overview of gender issues in selected sectors.