Gender and Water management: It's implications on Women empowerment
Date
2015-01-29
Authors
Kasongamulilo, Shula Hellen
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Abstract
Gender mainstreaming in the water sector is being justified on grounds that it helps to empower women; therefore it furthers broader goals of equality within society, contributing to poverty alleviation and social inclusion. This study was done in two peri-urban areas of Lusaka, Zambia namely Chipata compound and Kalikiliki settlement with a view to establishing the relationship between gender, water management and women empowerment. The study employed multiple research methods that were both qualitative and quantitative, field observations, questionnaires and interviews were used. Sample size was 200 households and 5 key informants from different implementing organizations. Data collected was later triangulated. Data was analyzed using SPSS and KAPs. Graphs were however generated in excel.
Key findings where that women in both communities actively participated in the initial phase of project implementation (98% and 70% in Kalikiliki and Chipata compounds respectively acknowledged that women were active participants), however, only 12% in Kalikiliki and 10% in Chipata were engaged in decision making processes. 91 respondents in Kalikiliki said there was significant improvement in the management of water since women where in-cooperated in the management of water points where as 26 respondents in Chipata compound said there was significant improvement. 7 respondents and 65 respondents from Kalikiliki and Chipata compounds respectively said they did not notice any improvement. The study discovered that women’s confidence in the skills and knowledge they possess are not built due to lack of engagement in processes of decision making. Women and children suffer from time poverty which inhibits them from engaging in other productive activities and school (education). The study concluded that despite policy being tacked on gender mainstreaming, women are to a larger extent not taking up influential roles especially in processes of decision making with regards to water. There is both a direct and indirect relationship between gender, water management and empowerment. Zambia has potential to achieve effective gender mainstreaming in WRM, except success depends to a larger extent on whether the current policies and strategies are infused in existing local cultures.
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Keywords
Water Supply , Women in Development , Water Resource Management