Involving women and men in water and sanitation initiatives

Описание: Netsai Nyamayedenga, is a member of the hygiene promotion group in Mukombwe-Mazwi village in Mount Darwin district. The level of empowerment showed by Netsai is a positive sign of gender impact in this intervention.

The water and sanitation project in Mount Darwin ended in 2010

Providing access to safe water and improved sanitation is about much more than building pumps and toilets. Community engagement and behavior change efforts that address people's beliefs and motivations are always important but they are even more critical in sanitation.

Involving women but also men in the hygiene promotion activities has proven to be the key to reach out to a wider representation of the community and promote the changes needed at grass root levels. Tackling gender issues is key to facilitate change in attitutes and behaviour among women, girls, boys and men and ensure equal opportunities to access and benefit from water, sanitation and hygiene promotion programmes.
The recent study (Look-back study) conducted two years after the conclusion of the project highlights a positive gender impact. Traditionally, women were holding low positions within the Water Point Committees and Hygiene promotion groups. The study revealed that women in this project tended to hold the position of the chairperson / treasurer within those committees and were actively involved in the management of water and sanitation facilities.