Gender Mainstreaming Case Study: India--Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project

The Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project sought to improve the urban environment, economy, and living conditions of the residents of Kochi, Kollam, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, and Thrissur. Improvements in access to safe water and sanitation facilities have reduced the workloads of women and girls. Women's and girls' mobility is also now safer, and family hygiene practices are healthier. The project also offered vocational training in a number of areas supporting women's business initiatives. The project contributed to several important advances that had strong gender equality dimensions, including an improved quality of life, increased opportunities for employment and income generation for men and women, and enhanced participation, leadership, and decision making by women---in the community and within households.