The Project:
The Enhanced Vocational Education and Training Project is a Specific Investment Loan approved by the Board on March 28, 2011. The Project Development Objective is to expand the supply of skilled and employable labor by increasing access to quality training programs, and by strengthening the technical and vocational education and training system in Nepal.
The Request:
The Request stated that the LGBTI community of Nepal will suffer as a result of World Bank’s “omissions or failures” related to the Project. The Request alleged that by only inviting men and women to apply for the trainings offered under the Project, the Project discriminates against the LGBTI community who, due to their sexual orientation, prefer to be classified as “other” when a gender option has to be selected.
Decision:
Request not registered. Following the receipt of the Request for Inspection, the Panel reviewed relevant Project documentation, and informed Management of the receipt of the Request. The Panel met with Bank Management and Management confirmed that the Ministry had agreed that subsequent calls for applications related to vocational training delivered under the auspices of the Project will be revised to address Blue Diamond Society’s concerns. The Panel notes that the Requesters did not bring out when and how their concerns were brought to the attention of Bank Management to seek a resolution to their concerns, prior to the submission of the Request. In light of the foregoing, including in particular the quick action taken by Management, the Panel did not register this Request for Inspection.
