Gender SuSanA Themen

Gender and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) are two important issues that are intricately connected. WASH is a fundamental human right, as access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and proper hygiene practices are essential for good health and well-being. However, access to WASH is not equal across all genders, with women and girls often facing greater challenges and barriers to accessing these basic needs.

The intersection of gender and WASH is complex and multifaceted. Gender norms and roles often determine who has control over water resources, who is responsible for sanitation and hygiene practices, and who has access to WASH facilities. For example, in many cultures, women and girls are responsible for fetching water, which can be time-consuming and physically demanding, often preventing them from attending school or engaging in other productive activities.

Gender-based violence is also a significant concern in the context of WASH, as lack of privacy and safety in sanitation facilities and water sources can put women and girls at risk. Furthermore, menstrual hygiene management is often neglected in WASH programs, which can have significant health consequences for girls and women. 

Menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) is an important aspect of the intersection between gender and WASH. Access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities that support safe and dignified menstrual management is a critical aspect of WASH that affects the health, education, and overall well-being of girls and women. Inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities can lead to poor menstrual hygiene practices, which can result in infections, skin irritation, and other health issues. In addition, the lack of safe and private facilities for menstrual management can result in girls and women missing school or work, leading to lost opportunities and increased vulnerability.

Addressing gender inequalities in WASH is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5, which focuses on gender equality and empowering all women and girls. It requires a comprehensive and intersectional approach that recognizes the diverse needs and experiences of different genders and promotes their meaningful participation in decision-making processes related to WASH.

Post from Scavill on 02.09.2024 Consultation on SANIHUB's new Brief & Checklist 'Gender equality in sanitation and FSM in emergencies' Total Replies: 5 • Last reply from paresh on 29.11.2024

Post from awebbslh on 16.10.2023 New paper on unpaid WASH work Total Replies: 3 • Last reply from AjitSeshadri on 03.11.2024

Amita Bhakta, Sally Cawood, Mariam Zaqout and Barbara Evans (2022) Sanitation work: Realizing equity and inclusion in WASH

Recognition of the human right to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and equity and inclusion concerns around gender, disability and age have led to crucial change in WASH programmes and policy, responding to commonly hidden issues such as menstrual hygiene, inclusive facilities for people with disabilities, and affordable services for […]

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COMBINING ART & WASH SYSTEMS TO IMPROVE WASH INFRASTRUCTURE IN SHEOHAR
The project’s aim was to promote the development of high-quality drinking water and sanitation services that would be accessible to everyone in the Sheohar district and sustained by local communities, businesses, and governments.

Like many regions in India, the district of Sheohar faces numerous challenges related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Water contamination and open defecation have made illness common in many villages, and at the district level, almost 14% of children under the age of five were reported as experiencing diarrhea […]

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Developing Guidelines for Decentralised Wastewater Treatment Systems
The development of National Guidelines was one key instrument to facilitate a focused dialogue, for knowledge management, to create awareness, acceptance and capacities. These Guidelines are a reference for more detailed legislation, standards and manuals

In this project the performance of Decentralised Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS) was evaluated, policies and guiding documents were reviewed and National Guidelines were developed in collaboration with key sector actors. The Guidelines were endorsed by the Ministry of Water (Tanzania). In order to operationalize the Guidelines trainings based on the […]

 

 

 

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