Module 2. Theorethical Concepts of Gender - FSN Network Portal

Mainstreaming Gender into Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Programs
Module 2: Theoretical Concepts of Gender
Lesson 8: Social Vulnerability and WASH
A World Bank (1996) review of 121 rural water supply projects found that
women’s participation was among the variables most strongly associated with
project effectiveness. Furthermore, it was found that the failure to take gender
differences and inequalities into account can result in failed projects. The
study found that the benefits of involving women are: reduced corruption,
increased transparency, better financial management and empowering
women by example.
In the peri-urban areas of Malawi, female participation in water management
has been shown to be very constructive (Rathgeber, 2003). At first, male
managers were put in charge of the communal water points. However, this
was found to be ineffective, as the men were absent during the day and
lacked service orientation and financial management skills. A new
management group, consisting only of women, was set up and both water and
sanitation management improved significantly. However, this was a heavy
burden for the women, and the programme now follows an equitable strategy
where the management group consists of men and women and where the
burden of work and influence is shared equally.
A ‘business case’ can be made for the economic value of introducing gender
mainstreaming, as when women are incorporated into management, work is
more effective.
The World Bank (1996) has brought research and experience from its own
extensive operations in water and sanitation together into a tool kit. The Bank
summaries the lessons of experience in this area as follows:
• Gender is a central concern in water and sanitation.
• Women’s participation improves project performance.
• Specific, simple mechanisms must be created to ensure women’s
involvement.
• Attention to gender analysis must start as early as possible.
• Gender analysis is integral to project identification and data collection.
• A learning approach is integral to project identification and data
collection.
• Projects are more efficient when both men’s and women’s preferences
about hardware are addressed.
• Women and men promote project goals through their use of both
traditional and non-traditional roles.
• Women’s groups and NGOs can be effective in involving women.
• Gender-related indicators must be included when assessing project
performance and impact.
A Training Manual for Water Professionals developed collaboratively by PROTOS and SNV, 01/02/2007
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