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Short Summary |
There are countless examples in the developing
world of water and sanitation (WSS) projects which have failed because
not all members of the community, particularly women, were fully involved
in and committed to the projects. These guidelines have been produced
in response to the recognition that if women play a minor role in
community decision-making, they may well be marginalised under the
current 'demand-driven' approach to WSS provision (where projects
are designed around the articulated needs of users). To maximise the
quality and sustainability of projects, specific strategies are needed
to ensure women's participation, necessitating a prior gender analysis
of the project area. Strategies should address such issues as women's
needs for water related to small-scale activities; the design and
siting of WSS facilities; women-focused technology; and promoting
women's involvement in technical and financial planning. It is recommended
that since participation in WSS projects may require women and men
to undertake new gender roles, projects must give ongoing support,
and, in addition, must focus on long-term issues such as change management,
building community decision-making and leadership skills and improving
consultation processes within WSS agencies. A section of key guiding
questions relating to design requirements, implementation and monitoring,
and practical action is provided. |
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