Water projects and women's empowerment

Abstract

This paper discusses whether the increased participation of women in the management of domestic water resources has empowered women, as is suggested by the domestic water sector; claims which are resented by research critics. This paper attempts to address this dispute between theorists and practitioners by analyzing each of the following four claims of gender successes at the community level, through the perceptions of village women: - Women's roles in skilled work in project implementation and management - Women's representation in community decision-making forums - Women's increased awareness of the health and hygiene aspects of water management - Women's participation in productive income generation activities made possible through time saved in fetching water