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  1. One South Asia

Why #OneSouthAsia?

Women and Inclusiveness

Empowering women is central to our work to advance regional cooperation in South Asia,. The fast-growing region has some of the world's largest gender gaps -- including the lowest level of female labor-force participation. 

Our work aims to close knowledge gaps on gender aspects in transport, climate change, health, education, social protection, and fragility, conflict, and violence. The approach crosses many sectors, including some once considered to be ¡°gender blind¡± such as infrastructure, transport, and trade facilitation. Our work also targets specific areas where gaps between men and women and between and boys and girls can be identified and addressed, using evidence-based approaches.

 

ľ¹ÏÓ°Ôº works with a number of partners, including the South Asia Regional Trade Facilitation Program, to provide analyses and technical assistance identifying ways to support women's entrepreneurship and participation in the labor force. Our gender-related reports and activities include:

 

Trade and Supply Chains
  • (July, 2022, policy brief)
  •  (2021 report)
  • (2021 report)
  •  (2021 report)
  •  (2019 report)
  •  (2019 research paper)
  •  (2019 analysis)
  •  (2016 research paper)

 

Power Sector and STEM

  •  (2022, Annual Report)
  •  (2021, Annual Report)
  •  (2020 report)
  •  (2019 report)

 

Employment and Economic

  •  (July, 2022, policy brief) 
  • (June, 2022, policy brief)
  •  (March, 2022, policy brief)
  • (2021 policy brief)
  •  (2019 report)
  •  (2017 report)
  •  (2016 report)

 

Related:

 

What's New

Oct 2023: Over 795 women are employed under the first phase of Bangladesh Western Economic Corridor & Regional Enhancement program that helps provide efficient, safe, and resilient connectivity along with training and employing vulnerable women in these projects.
OneSouthAsia

Women at the Forefront of Revitalizing Bhutan's Villages

March 2023: Read how women in Bhutan are revitalizing traditional villages in Bhutan and at the same time creating income-generating opportunities at their doorsteps.
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July 2023: Research by the World Bank and the World Trade Organization (WTO) has shown that trade is a powerful driver of gender equality in developing countries. How do we involve more women in trade?

Jan. 11, 2022 - Amma Cafe in Lumbini, Nepal was launched by women entrepreneurs as part of a project to create local jobs near Buddhist sites visited by religious pilgrims and tourists.

Dec. 1, 2021 - A World Bank report analyzes women¡¯s jobs in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and other apparel-exporting nations to identify barriers that hinder women from careers and long-term participation in the labor force.
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World Bank project supports regional higher education and easier access for women

June 24, 2021 - A new World Bank project will strengthen higher education across South Asia by supporting collaboration, credit transfers, and university twinning arrangements in the region. It will also help more women access quality higher education.
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Publications

Dec. 1, 2021 - Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka can use the apparel exporting industry to bring more women into the labor forcet but policy makers must also eliminate barriers that prevent women pursuing better-paid occupations.

Oct. 1, 2021 - Women in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan are turning to What's App and Facebook to sell clothing, food, and other items. Such informal online commerce empowers women and offers a way to earn income while managing their household responsibilities.

August 12, 2021 - Bangladeshi women are more likely to join the labor force if they feel safe going to work. Adding street lights, security cameras, and panic buttons can help, along with gender sensitivity training for police, according to a new policy brief.

June 30, 2021 - Better roads create opportunities but can also make it easier for human trafficking. This study examines trafficking in Nepal and its links to regional connectivity, and recommends ways to integrate anti-human trafficking into World Bank work.

July 2, 2021 - Only 24% of South Asian women participate in the labor force, far below the 47% global average. This Gender Innovation Lab brief examines the success of skill-building policies and programs for women in the region.

March 31, 2021 - ľ¹ÏÓ°Ôº's South Asia disaster risk and climate change activities aim to build resilience for all people. That means designing measures for the elderly, disabled, and other marginalized groups with special needs.

Jan 24, 2021 - Trade is a powerful tool for BBIN economic growth but women need to benefit to the same extent as men. This report highlights work barriers that women face and sectors with greatest potential for them to find jobs.

Jan 24, 2021 - Women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh are a potent source of future jobs. But to overcome barriers, women need help accessing bank loans, digital skills, export markets, and other tools. This report recommends ways to support an inclusive economy.

July 30, 2020 - Trade creates good paying jobs for women and cuts costs for consumers. But gains come only if trade barriers are lifted. Women exporters in Pakistan said they face Customs officers¡¯ arbitrary decisions, reckless handling of goods, and bribe demands.

VIDEO

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VIDEO Oct 14, 2020

Disaster Resilience for All

South Asia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. ľ¹ÏÓ°Ôº's inclusive resilience work aims to build awareness and share knowledge on how disaster risk management can better advance social inclusion.

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Cecile Fruman
Director
Regional Integration and Engagement - South Asia