Gender and Social Inclusion Matters in Infrastructure

Saric

‘Gender and Social Inclusion Matters in Infrastructure’ is a 3-episode mini podcast series which aims to spark new conversations and thinking on the subject of inclusive infrastructure. In this series, we bring together experts from the sector who share their practical experience, experiential learning and wealth of knowledge on a theme which cuts across countries, regions, government & private sector priorities. The podcast format is conversational with experts participating from Australia, India, and the United States of America. Listeners will get insights into thought provoking discussions, knowledge sharing, existing challenges & bottlenecks and lessons learned in thinking, designing, and building inclusive infrastructure.

This mini podcast series is supported through the South Asia Regional Infrastructure Connectivity Program (SARIC). SARIC is an initiative funded by the Australian Government with the overall goal to deepen economic linkages and support regional prosperity and inclusive growth. SARIC implementing partners include the World Bank, IFC, Palladium and ASI. Through the program’s training and networking services, SARIC facilitates in building capacity, create new & leverage existing regional networks, foster international linkages, enhance knowledge and skills, promote thought leadership and develop knowledge products in the transport and energy sectors. This podcast series focusses on the broader theme of gender and social inclusion in the infrastructure sector. For more information on SARIC please refer to the program website and LinkedIn page.

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Building an equitable and inclusive infrastructure workforce
Mar 11 2024
Building an equitable and inclusive infrastructure workforce
EPISODE 3 - BUILDING AN EQUITABLE AND INCLUSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE WORKFORCE In this episode Anu and Ruth delve into the role of women in electric mobility, discuss the involvement of indigenous communities in design and hear about the World Bank's South Asia Gender and Energy Facility Assessment. The experts in this episode are Gunjan Gautam and Aparna Vijaykumar, sharing their insights on how to build an equitable and inclusive infrastructure workforce.SPEAKERS Aparna Vijaykumar - Aparna Vijaykumar is a Program Manager - Electric Mobility with the Sustainable Cities and Transport Team at WRI India. She supports the work on electric buses, working with bus agencies to aid in their transition to clean technology. She coordinates WRI India’s engagements in Kerala with a focus on Urban Transport and Development. She works with stakeholders at the city, district and state levels to provide technical support, build capacity, shape policy and bring change on-ground. Aparna worked in the construction industry before moving on to cities. Aparna is a Civil Engineer by graduation from NSS College of Engineering, Calicut University and holds a master’s in Urban Planning from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi.Dr Anu Mundkur - Anu is a published author and thought leader on gender equality and social inclusion. She has advised governments, international agencies and non-profits in the Asia Pacific region on implementing inclusive gender equality in policy, programs and projects. Ruth Lancaster - Ruth possesses a multifaceted professional background spanning various industries. Her primary professional objective centres around advancing women’s involvement within markets and fostering dignified employment prospects for women. Ruth's collaborative efforts extend to partnering with international organisations, non-governmental entities, and multilateral institutions, with a specific emphasis on promoting gender parity and societal inclusivity. Gunjan Gautam - Gunjan Gautam is Senior Energy Specialist at the World Bank’s South Asia Energy Unit. He works on energy sector infrastructures projects in South Asia, including Tarbela hydropower projects and Dasu hydropower project. He co-leads South Asia Gender and Energy Facility (SAGE), which functions as the interim secretariat of WePOWER. He specializes in preparing and managing energy sector projects with public and private investments. He has experience of working on solar, hydropower, transmission, distribution, micro-grids, and distributed generation; and consumer side technologies. South Asia Regional Infrastructure Connectivity (SARIC) is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). For more information visit www.sarictns.org or follow SARIC on LinkedIn

Episodes

Building an equitable and inclusive infrastructure workforce
Mar 11 2024
Building an equitable and inclusive infrastructure workforce
EPISODE 3 - BUILDING AN EQUITABLE AND INCLUSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE WORKFORCE In this episode Anu and Ruth delve into the role of women in electric mobility, discuss the involvement of indigenous communities in design and hear about the World Bank's South Asia Gender and Energy Facility Assessment. The experts in this episode are Gunjan Gautam and Aparna Vijaykumar, sharing their insights on how to build an equitable and inclusive infrastructure workforce.SPEAKERS Aparna Vijaykumar - Aparna Vijaykumar is a Program Manager - Electric Mobility with the Sustainable Cities and Transport Team at WRI India. She supports the work on electric buses, working with bus agencies to aid in their transition to clean technology. She coordinates WRI India’s engagements in Kerala with a focus on Urban Transport and Development. She works with stakeholders at the city, district and state levels to provide technical support, build capacity, shape policy and bring change on-ground. Aparna worked in the construction industry before moving on to cities. Aparna is a Civil Engineer by graduation from NSS College of Engineering, Calicut University and holds a master’s in Urban Planning from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi.Dr Anu Mundkur - Anu is a published author and thought leader on gender equality and social inclusion. She has advised governments, international agencies and non-profits in the Asia Pacific region on implementing inclusive gender equality in policy, programs and projects. Ruth Lancaster - Ruth possesses a multifaceted professional background spanning various industries. Her primary professional objective centres around advancing women’s involvement within markets and fostering dignified employment prospects for women. Ruth's collaborative efforts extend to partnering with international organisations, non-governmental entities, and multilateral institutions, with a specific emphasis on promoting gender parity and societal inclusivity. Gunjan Gautam - Gunjan Gautam is Senior Energy Specialist at the World Bank’s South Asia Energy Unit. He works on energy sector infrastructures projects in South Asia, including Tarbela hydropower projects and Dasu hydropower project. He co-leads South Asia Gender and Energy Facility (SAGE), which functions as the interim secretariat of WePOWER. He specializes in preparing and managing energy sector projects with public and private investments. He has experience of working on solar, hydropower, transmission, distribution, micro-grids, and distributed generation; and consumer side technologies. South Asia Regional Infrastructure Connectivity (SARIC) is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). For more information visit www.sarictns.org or follow SARIC on LinkedIn
Talking about disability inclusion
Aug 7 2023
Talking about disability inclusion
EPISODE 2 - TALKING ABOUT DISABILITY INCLUSION Shivani Gupta,  Senior Inclusive Design Manager, at the Global Disability Infrastructure Hub and Tammy McGowan, an experienced disability consultant with MAVEN, Palladium discuss disability-inclusive infrastructure – what it involves and why it’s important with Ruth and Anu.  SPEAKERS Shivani Gupta – Is a highly motivated person with disabilities, who is extremely passionate about disability-inclusive development and rights. Shivani has over 25 years of experience in working towards promoting inclusive community living in India and globally. Her areas of expertise include inclusion and accessibility, disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction, assistive technologies and support services. Tammy McGowan - Diagnosed as an adult as Autistic, ADHD and Dyslexic with Auditory Processing Disorder, Tammy is an experienced coordinator and trainer with a history of working in the community services and disability sectors. Tammy is passionate about disability advocacy, social inclusion, trauma informed and person-centred practice. Tammy is a graduate of the Autism CRC Sylvia Roger Academy Future Leaders program and the Autism CRC Sylvia Roger Academy Governance program. Dr Anu Mundkur - Anu is a published author and thought leader on gender equality and social inclusion. She has advised governments, international agencies and non-profits in the Asia Pacific region on implementing inclusive gender equality in policy, programs and projects. She is a skilled facilitator with many years of teaching and training experience on a range of gender-related issues. Ruth Lancaster – A strategically-focused business development manager, Ruth has extensive experience both in large corporate and non-profit sectors including: Care Australia, Save the Children, Australian Childhood Foundation, World Vision, Cisco Systems, Ericsson Australia, and AAPT/Connect. Her skills are multi-layered and include across-sector shared value partnerships and partnership brokering, market landscaping and business development strategies, resource mobilisation and capacity building, with an attention on intersectional gender equality and inclusion. South Asia Regional Infrastructure Connectivity (SARIC) is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). For more information visit www.sarictns.org or follow SARIC on LinkedIn
Gender matters in Infrastructure
Jun 26 2023
Gender matters in Infrastructure
EPISODE 1 - GENDER MATTERS IN INFRASTRUCTURE In this episode, Ruth and Anu talk with Philip Martin, Head of Impact & Safeguards for the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) about why we need to think about gender-inclusive infrastructure financing and development. SPEAKERS Philip Martin – Philip is a Global ESG, Gender and Inclusion Leader. Philip is the Head of Impact & Safeguards with the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP). The AIFFP is delivered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, within the Office of the Pacific. Philip has also served as a DFAT Adviser , Gender and Infrastructure. Philip has many years of experience as a Gender Specialist with the World Bank Group and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Dr Anu Mundkur - Anu is a published author and thought leader on gender equality and social inclusion. She has advised governments, international agencies and non-profits in the Asia Pacific region on implementing inclusive gender equality in policy, programs and projects. She is a skilled facilitator with many years of teaching and training experience on a range of gender-related issues. Ruth Lancaster –  A strategically-focused business development manager, Ruth has extensive experience both in large corporate and non-profit sectors including: Care Australia, Save the Children, Australian Childhood Foundation, World Vision, Cisco Systems, Ericsson Australia, and AAPT/Connect. Her skills are multi-layered and include across-sector shared value partnerships and partnership brokering, market landscaping and business development strategies, resource mobilisation and capacity building, with an attention on intersectional gender equality and inclusion. South Asia Regional Infrastructure Connectivity (SARIC) is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). For more information visit www.sarictns.org or follow SARIC on LinkedIn