Gender and Water: The Case Study of Africa

  So, this is it. My final post- in this, I summarise my blog so far highlighting aspects which were important to me Throughout my blog, I explored many aspects of the water-gender relationship including, collection, sanitation etc, and how the lack of access to safe water perpetuates the gender discrepancy. I focussed on Sub-Saharan Africa, and in doing so I aimed to keep the message that Wanaina (2006) expressed about Africa being a continent of diversity, thus avoiding any stereotyped perceptions. In my introductory post, I highlighted the UN’s stance on the SDG’s as being ‘the blueprint for better change’. Upon analysing the relationship between gender and water for the past few months, I would say yes- I would consider it to be a ‘blueprint' or foundation in providing a direction for change, however the SDGs are lacking: There is little acknowledgement of MHM or water collection in the SDGs relating to gender and water (5 and 6). This re-emphasises my point of needing to ...

Prior to concluding my blog, Participation is a topic I want to touch on. I will analyses the value of participatory development in empowering females in terms of water management, and highlight how women need more influence. Participatory development entails empowerment through the engagement of community actors ( Campbell and Vaino-Matilla 2003 ).It is prominent in the mainstream agenda, having a relationship with the SDGs, with the practice of participatory development of females, contributing to equality and their empowerment (Goncales et a 2019). Water is a female domain, especially at a household level ( Musembi 2015 ) emphasising the value of a woman’s relationship with water.   The aim of female participatory development is to give women space within existing development structures ( Cornwall 2003 ).  In Ghana, by decentralising water supply management, the government aimed to empower local people through participation. Women in the commu...