Armenia

Mainstreaming Gender in Project Operationsabout the effect of inefficiencies in transport infrastructure (relating to poor roadconditions and transport logistics) on male and female entrepreneurs who engage in tradealso would be particularly relevant to ADB projects.227. Women’s priorities in road construction projects. Although the links betweengender and transport are recognized, gender equality goals have not usually beenincorporated into project design. Progress has generally been measured by immediatephysical outputs (e.g., construction and rehabilitation) rather than by the increasedmobility of men and women and improvements in their ability to access basic services andgoods.228. Because of their distinct gender roles, men and women have different transportneeds. For instance, the rehabilitation of large intercity highways, which will undoubtedlybring important improvements for the population as a whole, has been a priorityfor both the government and ADB. Women in focus group discussions voiced clearpriorities and concerns about road rehabilitation and construction projects. In particular,women expressed the opinion that in the country as a whole, funding is allocated tothe construction of large highways, while small local roads are in “dreadful condition.”Municipalities make small repairs to local roads every year, but women pointed out that thework is not always adequate and often has to be repeated. Women would prioritize repairof subsidiary and local roads, which are the ones they use more often, and which wouldespecially improve access to the markets at which they sell the goods that they produce athome. Women in Goris stated that they have used alternative forums, such as the media,to highlight the lack of attention to local roads, but, so far, the authorities have not beenresponsive.229. A second key priority for women in road rehabilitation projects is ensuring safety,especially for children. Women in Berd were especially critical of the decision to constructan intercity highway that is exposed to the Azerbaijan border (across which gunfireis regularly reported). Women in all five focus groups emphasized that many schoolsare located on busy streets, and this presents particular safety concerns for children.Participants mentioned the kinds of safety features that they think should be considered inroad rehabilitation and construction projects such as signs warning drivers of the locationof schools and of speed limits, traffic lights, speed bumps and special crossings nearschools,and underpasses where children can cross busy roads safely.230. Consideration of women’s views in ancillary road projects. Gender roles meanthat women often travel with children and while doing daily chores, and thus women areconcerned with issues ancillary to major road construction, such as damaged pavement orlack of breaks in curbs, both of which hinder the use of prams, wheelchairs, and shoppingtrolleys. Women participating in focus groups drew particular attention to the need to buildsidewalks on their community streets. In Goris, the lack of sidewalks means people oftenwalk in the street. In Gyumri, women mentioned that they tend not to walk at all becausethere are no safe sidewalks, and this is a particular problem for women with children inprams. Several women pointed out that the lack of playgrounds in their towns means thatchildren play in the streets. A portion of road construction funds could be used to creatededicated spaces for children to play, away from city roads.67