Women at the Heart of South Asia’s Economic Growth: A Story of Trade, Connectivity and Change

The South Asia Regional Trade Facilitation Program (SARTFP), developed by the World Bank and funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, exemplifies a determined effort to promote women’s economic empowerment through expanded trade and connectivity initiatives involving Bangladesh, Bhutan and India and Nepal. SARTFP represents an innovative approach to promoting economic inclusion, especially for women in underserved and remote areas, by incorporating gender considerations into regional trade and infrastructure projects. This program targeted traditionally male-dominated sectors, including transportation and local tourism, enabling women to not only participate but also take ownership of these fields. Through support and training initiatives, SARTFP has helped women in Bangladesh gain employment in road maintenance under the Bangladesh Western Economic Corridor and Regional Development (WeCARE) Programme, while women entrepreneurs in Bhutan now manage community-based tourism initiatives under Buddhist Tour Development. Project. In India’s Assam region, SARTFP has contributed to gender-sensitive inland water transport systems, creating safer routes and encouraging women to take up roles as ship operators.

Empowering Women Through Policy Innovation and Partnerships

SARTFP has actively driven policy change through its partnerships and research. The program, through the South Asia Region’s Gender Innovation Lab, has produced valuable insights into effective methods for women’s economic empowerment. It has also established a Community of Practice on Women’s Economic Empowerment, which focuses on creating systematic reviews, evidence summaries and applied tools that inform regional development strategies. This basic research has not only supported the design and implementation of World Bank operations but also facilitated informed discussions among regional stakeholders. Through collaborations with local nonprofits, the program advocated for women’s economic rights and fostered an environment where grassroots female entrepreneurs could thrive. Established under SARTFP, the Business, Enterprise and Employment Support (BEES) network brings together non-profit organizations across South Asia to support women producers and small-scale entrepreneurs. This network has become an effective resource for sharing knowledge, encouraging collective action and scaling successful initiatives to help women break out of cycles of poverty and secure sustainable livelihoods.

Transforming Regional Markets Through Accessible Technology and Infrastructure

A key aspect of SARTFP’s impact has been its use of technology and infrastructure improvements to make regional markets more accessible to women traders and entrepreneurs. By reducing logistics costs and increasing transportation efficiency, the program allowed women traders to participate in multi-modal logistics, thereby expanding their market reach. Rural markets benefit from designated stalls for female vendors and safe, functional facilities such as bathrooms, encouraging women to establish themselves as entrepreneurs in these areas. The program also recognizes the importance of integrating women into local tourism sectors. In Bhutan, women from rural backgrounds and often with limited resources are training in hospitality management and developing cultural tourism through locally managed businesses. These community-focused initiatives, such as the Nobgang village restaurant and bed-and-breakfast initiative, contribute directly to the economic vitality of their communities by providing women with the skills and tools necessary to generate income.

Inclusive Transport Initiatives in Bangladesh and India

Inclusive transportation initiatives, such as those under the WeCARE Program in Bangladesh, have empowered women not only to join the workforce but also to balance work and family responsibilities. The program enables women to effectively manage both household and employment responsibilities by providing basic facilities such as nursery services. In Assam, the Inland Water Transport Project has transformed waterway transport by incorporating gender-inclusive terminals designed to meet the needs of women. These include accessible toilets, breastfeeding rooms and designated seating for female passengers; all of which make public transport safer and more attractive to female passengers and traders. The “Jibondinga” program also supports women’s participation in the water transport sector, providing them with the opportunity to own and operate ships. As a result, women like Runu Hazarika in Majgaon have managed to run their own transport businesses, transforming traditional occupations into viable businesses that serve the local economy and community.

Reshaping Economies with Gender Responsive Development

SARTFP’s initiatives underscore how gender-responsive economic policies can reshape infrastructure, create entrepreneurial opportunities, and significantly improve the quality of life for women in South Asia. By addressing social and economic barriers, the program enabled women to establish themselves as key participants in a market-driven economy. The transformation in the lives of countless women, whether operating boats, running accommodation establishments or managing small-scale commercial enterprises, is clearly visible. Through focused support and development, these women were able to achieve a level of economic independence they had not previously been able to achieve, improving both their personal lives and the economic resilience of their communities. SARTFP’s regional approach, underpinned by rigorous research and partnerships, has created a solid foundation for gender-responsive development that supports the prosperity and inclusion of all South Asian economies.

A Blueprint for an Inclusive Economic Future

This comprehensive model of economic empowerment has demonstrated the profound impact that coordinated regional efforts can have on both individual lives and broader economic landscapes. The programme’s success stories are not only a testament to the importance of women’s empowerment, but also an example of the potential that inclusive infrastructure and thoughtful policy reforms hold for sustainable development. Women’s voices are now a central part of South Asia’s evolving economic narrative; SARTFP sets a precedent for other regional and global development initiatives that aim to achieve both equity and prosperity through integration and connectivity. From improving women’s safety on public transport to establishing support networks for local entrepreneurs, SARTFP has created a blueprint for progress that enables women to become active and recognized participants in the region’s economic growth. With ongoing efforts to build on this progress, the program is illuminating the path to a more inclusive future where women are equally empowered to contribute to and benefit from economic opportunities in South Asia.