When developing and supporting market systems in the PROSPECTS programmes, cultural norms played a part in determining who participated in which type of labour activities and how. For instance, in Uganda, Kenya, Sudan and Egypt, a gender dimension in the selection of value chains was apparent: in Kenya and other East African countries, women were traditionally more involved in caring for and milking small livestock or camels and in selling the associated products, while men were more involved in decision-making regarding the sale or purchase of large livestock. Moreover, men were still largely in control of household budgets and profits generated from sales. In Egypt, the assessment of the care and food-services value chains highlighted a substantial representation of women, especially in the most informal and microenterprises. Therefore, gender differences need to be taken into consideration when engaging with local communities in creating suitable interventions that are inclusive. For example, the Kenyan PROSPECTS team adopted a market systems approach to strengthen the camel-milk value chain. The establishment of the Kasha Camel Milk Collection Centre empowered women through entrepreneurship, raising hygiene standards and expanding market access. 

Find out more about the PROSPECTS programme’s wider learning on gender and disability inclusion.