Global Journal of Management and Business Research, A: Administration and Management, Volume 23 Issue 7

Toward Gender Mainstreaming in Infrastructure Investment Projects: An Economic and Gender Dimension of Labour Framework, South Africa Dr. Joel Marumo Mosenogi Author: STADIO. e-mail: marumomosenogi22@gmail.com Abstract- Effective and efficient conceptualisation and implementation of infrastructure investment is fundamental to every country’s development. Many studies over decades have presented scientific evidence to this effect and it can be narrowly disputed. However, very few studies have been under- taken to point out the development inter-link of infrastructure investment and gender equality. What if further lacking, is the systems, tools and applicable frameworks which can provide scientifically based evident planning to ensure gender mainstreaming in infrastructure investment. Therefore, this paper proposes an Infrastructure Investment and Gender Dynamics of Labour Framework. The framework proposes factors to consider during the conceptualisation and implementation of infrastructure investment at macro level, meso level and micro level. Keywords: gender equality, women empowerment, infrastructure investment, labour. I. I ntroduction he importance of gender equality and women empowerment in policy and developmental goals cannot be over-emphasised. Women continues to be vulnerable as a consequence gender inequality perpetuated by economic conditions, under-develop- ment and imbalanced socio-economic conditions in society. Infrastructure investment globally plays a central for medium to long-term sustainable economic develop- ment. However, the degree of gender-inclusivity in the design, financing and implement of infrastructure project in many countries remains under question. As demonstrated in their paper, Mosenogi and Daw (2021) disaggregating South African economy into 34 industries shows the difference on gender-based income inequality from infrastructure investment thus painting a clear picture of the unequal gender-pay gap where males still earn more than females. Aguilar and Hart (2018) when arguing for the importance of gender in energy infrastructure points out that, the differentiated impacts of these developments on women and men are seldom explored, discussed or documented. This indicates that the impacts differenti- ation because of the direct effect on women and men, for example, through job opportunities, as well as through indirect impacts, as with respect to access to land and resources. As argued by OECD (2019), it is often assumed that females will automatically gain from new infrastructure projects in the same way as men do, without acknowledging possible distinct impacts on women and men according to their needs and social roles. The importance of gender-sensitive impact assessment cannot be over-emphasised. Prior to the commencement of every infrastructure project, the impact on both men and women at economic and social level must be under-taken so that all necessary measures can be designed to mitigated risks or challenges that both genders might be exposed to. This paper aims at making a significant contribution in the body of knowledge and practice within the space of gender equality, women’s empowerment and infrastruc- ture investment. South Africa is in the process of infrastructure development and is evident various infrastructure project conceptualised and implemented throughout the country. The paper therefore seeks to propose a framework that can easily applied on scientific basis to ensure gender mainstreaming in infrastructure investment. II. L iterature R eview Good access to quality and sustainable infrastructure is an essential determinant of people’s wellbeing and a basic requirement for businesses to prosper. High-quality infrastructure from digital, transport, energy and water to public parks and museums underpins inclusive growth and supports sustainable development, in line with the 2030 Agenda (Mosenogi, 2019). As argued by Pouw (2009), a relational scheme can be derived at different phases of consolidation within the economy depending on how much detail is desired for exploration. From a gender- perspective it is important to differentiate between individual members of households. Likewise, differentiation can be between individuals within firms, communities and governments if that would meet the objective of questions to be explored. There is thus always the possibility to zoom in a specific relationship within the relational scheme and construct a new scheme at a lower level of aggregation (e.g. intra- household level). As presented in the pioneering work of Pouw (2009), understanding the theoretical relationship of gender, the economy and labour produced the schematic framework which remains helpful in T 27 Global Journal of Management and Business Research Volume XXIII Issue VII Version I Year 2023 ( ) A © 2023 Global Journals