USAID Clean Air Catalyst: Gender Analysis of Air Pollution and Vehicle Transport, India

Overview

The purpose of the gender analysis is to inform USAID’s recently launched global air pollution program— Clean Air Catalyst (CAC) in India. The CAC is a five-year long program being implemented by the World Resources Institute, the Environmental Defense Fund, and a consortium of partners seeking to understand local pollution sources and identify sustainable solutions for clean, healthy air for better health, climate, and development outcomes.

Evidence shows that, in some ways, air pollution impacts women and girls differently than men and boys. Factors involved may include biological differences, socioeconomic disparities, and unequal gender norms that affect exposure and types, as well as access to and impact of mitigation solutions. It is possible that general improvements in ambient air quality may not sufficiently address the particular sources that affect women’s exposure, and ultimately their health. Seeking to ensure that CAC’s clean air solutions are effective and inclusive, this gender analysis aims to obtain understanding of gender differences in issues, concerns, barriers, and opportunities in potential pollution reduction strategies, specifically, reduction of the impact of vehicular emissions on women and girls. The geographic scope of the review is at the country level for India with a focus, wherever possible, on Indore, Madhya Pradesh (MP). The analysis broadly addresses the following two questions:

1. How do vehicle emissions impact women and girls differently (considering mobility patterns, street life, and street work) due to power dynamics, occupational differences, socioeconomics, cultural barriers, and political barriers?
2. What are the opportunities for and barriers to women’s leadership, decision-making, entrepreneurship, employment, and meaningful participation in catalyzing clean air action to lower vehicle emissions and/or exposure to these emissions?

The research methodology involved primary and secondary data collection. The research team initially reviewed 68 academic and policy documents and program reports found through Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Academia and supplemented with other literature as the need arose (see Annex B for a list of key documents). Primary data collection involved eight key informant interviews (KIIs), including a total of 13 people, as some respondents brought colleagues with them. Interviews involved researchers, activists, community workers, and women and men in gender, air quality, and transport.

Download the full report to read key findings and recommendations.