English translation
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Example of construction projects
It is crucial to have diverse job creation efforts in place
Tunnel construction in Iceland has shown that during the construction period the number of men increases, and the construction works often stop the migration of people from rural areas, and even increase the population in the short term. However, if there is no diversified industrial development, people will start to move away again in a few years.
Fáskrúðsfjörður Tunnel
The Fáskrúðsfjörður tunnel and the development of the aluminum industry in Reyðarfjörður are examples of projects where transportation improvements and economic development went hand in hand and increased the population. However, gender imbalances were significant compared to pre-construction levels, indicating that the development and job opportunities favored men over women.
Héðinsfjörður Tunnel in Ólafsfjörður
The same trend was observed with the construction of the Héðinsfjörður tunnel in Ólafsfjörður, while Siglufjörður seemed to be more successful due to the diverse job opportunities related to tourism created after the tunnels were built.
Social impact study for the Vaðlaheiði Tunnel
A 2014 study on the social impacts of the Vaðlaheiði tunnel, carried out four years before its opening, showed that a large majority of residents on both sides of the tunnel were unlikely to move away, and gender differences were minor. However, there was general dissatisfaction with the variety of jobs available, especially among women living east of Vaðlaheiði. There is a lack of published information about people's attitudes after the tunnels were opened or information on migration during the construction period.
It would be interesting to investigate tunnel construction projects in Iceland more thoroughly, as they are significant undertakings that require significant funding. While the intention is to connect and facilitate access between urban centers, little is known about their actual gender and equality impacts.
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