Gender Gap Analysis and Recommendations for Rural Roads in Ecuador

The project aims to assist the World Bank in analyzing gender disparities within Ecuador’s rural road sector, with a particular emphasis on women’s involvement in road maintenance microenterprises. The objective was to integrate geospatial and national microenterprise data into a unified dataset, enabling detailed spatial and statistical analysis of gender dynamics. By identifying key structural barriers that hinder female participation, the project seeks to propose evidence-based, gender-responsive models for rural infrastructure programs, ultimately enhancing women’s economic opportunities and promoting gender equality in infrastructure development.

MCRIT consolidated and cleaned geospatial and administrative databases to analyze road conditions and women’s participation in rural road maintenance microenterprises across Ecuador. We developed a GIS-linked dataset for gender analysis and conducted statistical and geospatial assessments to explore the link between road quality and female participation. Complementary qualitative research, including interviews and focus groups, provided further insights. Based on the findings, we developed gender-sensitive recommendations, a Microenterprise Establishment Manual, and defined a pilot program to train women in heavy machinery operation, promoting gender inclusivity in rural infrastructure.