Project Details.

The Rapid Gender-sensitive Market Assessment (RGMA) in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral is a pivotal study designed to illuminate the existing landscape of women's engagement within market systems in these regions. With a laser focus on enhancing gender equality and economic opportunities, the study has specific objectives. Firstly, it aimed to pinpoint high-growth sectors where women can make significant strides, leveraging both the RGMA's insights and the groundwork laid by the Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP). Secondly, it meticulously identifies the hurdles obstructing women's participation, outlining key business infrastructure and service gaps in these sectors. Lastly, the study pioneers the identification of innovative solutions. It delves into comprehensive assessments, evaluating crucial facets such as transportation, childcare, digital and financial services, and market linkages. Moreover, it scrutinizes the work environment, advocating for flexibility in work hours, gender-sensitive policies, and inclusive infrastructure amenities like clean water, electricity, and washroom facilities. Collaborating closely with stakeholders, including employers, the study ensures a holistic understanding of the obstacles women face in the workplace. 

Ultimately, the RGMA endeavors to not only reveal the challenges but also craft actionable recommendations. These findings, once disseminated among public, private, and civil society stakeholders, were intended to serve as a clarion call for support and collective action, fostering an environment where women can actively and safely participate in the economic fabric of these regions. The assessment aimed to identify opportunities for women's inclusion in market systems and proposes innovative solutions, fostering financial empowerment, improved market access, enhanced skills, and supportive services. 

Within the ambit of the Rapid Gender-Sensitive Market Assessment (RGMA) assignment, Himat Consulting Private Limited (HCPL) deploys a dedicated team of professionals offering a multifaceted suite of services. HCPL staff meticulously conduct data collection, employing surveys to evaluate employer businesses, women-led enterprises, workplaces, and women-only markets. Their qualitative research expertise shines through in focus group discussions (FGDs) with various stakeholders and key informant interviews (KIIs) with market system facilitators, providing nuanced insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by women in these sectors. 

Furthermore, HCPL staff actively engages in the development and adaptation of gender-sensitive survey questionnaires and discussion guides, ensuring cultural appropriateness and unbiased data collection. Their commitment to accuracy and effectiveness is evident in the rigorous pre-testing of tools in the field, followed by real-time adjustments for improved face validity and content relevance. HCPL staff excels not only in data gathering but also in synthesizing best practices and success stories from gender-inclusive workplaces, offering valuable benchmarks for the project. Their role extends to detailed documentation and reporting, ensuring that findings and recommendations are comprehensively presented and tailored to specific regions, districts, and sectors. 

Moreover, HCPL staff serve as crucial bridges, fostering collaboration and communication among stakeholders and ensuring seamless coordination and alignment of efforts. Through their diverse skill set, HCPL staff contributes significantly to the RGMA's success, ensuring that the assessment delivers accurate, insightful, and actionable outcomes, thus promoting the economic participation of women in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.