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TitlePractical strategies for involving women as well as men in water and sanitation activities
Publication TypeBook
Year of Publication1999
AuthorsBaden, S, Brighton, GBBRIDGE (de
Secondary TitleBRIDGE, development - gender
Volumeno.11
Paginationiv, 35 p.
Date Published1999-05-01
PublisherInstitute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex
Place PublishedBrighton, UK
ISSN Number1858641462
Keywordscommunity participation, domestic use, gender, literature reviews, sanitation, sdigen, social aspects, water supply
Abstract

One of seven BRIDGE documents which also address sanitation and hygiene promotion, this literature study presents lessons learnt in the field of water provision for domestic consumption at household and community level and the role of women in this process. Community provision of services and greater involvement of women in water supply and sanitation (WSS) policy has done little to address gender relations and inequalities : men continue to fill managerial, decision-making and technical positions. Rather than involving women as a special target group, programmes should consider the constraints of gender roles and relations in involving both men and women at all levels and stages of projects. Women's participation in WSS should be an empowering experience, with any new responsibilities recognised and rewarded as such.
Not consulting women early in project preparation can result in non-use of facilities and to women being by-passed in later stages. Not paying attention to community and particularly women's participation has a high cost in terms of project failure. Key decisions on which to consult women are : the location of water facilities; choice of technology; the selection of pump caretakers, water committee members and other personnel; and the choice and management of the financing system. If women are well represented at higher levels, grassroots participation will be more effective. Special care must be taken that women do not become just a source of cheap labour. With appropriate training, women can also be involved in technical and managerial aspects of water supply and sanitation.

NotesBibliography: p. 30-35
Custom 1202.1, 302.1

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