Building a foundation for gender and social inclusion in Mozambique’s public works sector
Gender and social inclusion are vital pillars for sustainable development, especially in public infrastructure projects that have far-reaching impacts on communities. Recognising this, the Ministry of Public Works in Mozambique embarked on an ambitious mission to develop a Gender and Social Inclusion Strategy aimed at fostering equality and reducing harm within the sector. hera aided in the development of the sector’s gender strategy, and the supporting action plan to implement it.
Why a Gender and Social Inclusion Strategy?
Public infrastructure projects are known for their potential to catalyse both social and economic change. However, they also present risks, particularly in contexts involving large, transient workforces. These risks can disproportionately affect women and marginalized groups, perpetuating cycles of inequality and harm. This effort looked at critical challenges such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual Harassment (SH), and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), alongside broader social risks such as the spread of HIV/AIDS and unplanned pregnancies.
Mozambique’s Ministry of Public Works' goal was to address these challenges by:
Analysing the current situation: Identifying systemic gaps in gender equity.
Diagnosing institutional capacity: Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the Ministry’s gender-related initiatives.
Building long-term capacity: A bespoke workshop to strengthen the Ministry’s gender unit to implement inclusive and effective policies.
A comprehensive approach to inclusion
The team at hera employed a mixed-methods approach, ensuring a thorough understanding of the sector’s gender dynamics. The process included:
Document Review: Analysing 79 key documents to understand existing frameworks and policies.
Surveys: Gathering insights from 340 respondents across various sub-sectors.
Key Informant Interviews: Engaging 161 stakeholders to capture diverse perspectives.
Focus Group Discussions: Facilitating 24 group dialogues to explore community-level insights.
A cornerstone of this process was the Gender@Work analytical framework, which allowed for a nuanced gender analysis. This helped uncover structural barriers and cultural norms that hinder gender equity in Mozambique’s Public Works sector.
Expanding the impact with capacity-building
Recognising the need for widespread buy-in, the scope of the capacity-building workshop was expanded to include not just the gender unit but also representatives from the Ministry’s sub-sectors and partner organisations. This holistic approach ensured a more integrated understanding of gender and social inclusion across all levels of the sector.
By integrating innovative methodologies and fostering collaboration, the project set a precedent for how gender and social inclusion can be embedded into complex sectors. This assignment reinforces hera as a leader in addressing GBV and promoting gender equity in public infrastructure projects.
By addressing systemic barriers and fostering an inclusive workplace culture, Mozambique’s Ministry of Public Works is paving the way for equitable and resilient future. But the work does not stop here. Sustained commitment to implementing and monitoring are key to ensuring the impact on any strategy. Together, we can build a future where public works not only serve communities but empower every individual within them.