In most cultures, women are primarily responsible for the use and management of water resources, sanitation, and health at the household level. Women and girls walk many hours fetching and carrying back water whereas men do not.
- To ensure sustainability, capacity building has to continue beyond project implementation, with a gradual scaling down to those responsible for operation and maintenance. Development organizations need to ensure that funding is available for follow- up training after completion of infrastructure.
- As a result of closer water, a study found 1) an increase in self esteem, 2) less harassment of women and 3) better school attendance for girls.
- However, decisions that affect design and location of water facilities do not take into account these affected women. Gender considerations are at the crux of providing, managing and conserving water resources and safeguarding health through proper sanitation and hygiene. Recognizing the roles of men and women when designing projects can increase chances for project sustainability.
- The lack of adequate sanitation undermines the relative benefits of having safe water supply in the community. Women play a crucial role in influencing the hygiene behaviours of young children, and men can -- and should -- also serve as role models in sustaining changes in habits.
- Regional and local governments should encourage gender mainstreaming at the local level, promote sanitation, and develop capacity.
- Communities and civil society should lobby for better services and support equality for both genders in management.
- Donors and international organizations should engage women leaders, invest in capacity building processes, and provide technical assistance to local authorities and communities.
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- Copyright 2004 Interagency Task Force on Gender and Water.
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