Purpose

This guidance note provides an overview of gender and diversity issues and practicalities to be considered when designing water, sanitation and hygiene promotion programmes.

The note contains case studies from Mozambique, Pakistan and Somalia.

Overview

Women, girls, boys, men, and vulnerable groups (older people, LGBTI, PLHIV and people living with disabilities) all need to be reached through water, sanitation and hygiene programmes. Each group’s needs, role and involvement must be identified to ensure that a culturally appropriate programme is designed and implemented.

In developing countries, women and girls often spend most of their time carrying out domestic chores and walking long distances to collect and transport water. Lack of access to water points and sanitation facilities has an impact on their health and access to education. Men and boys need water for irrigation, and tending to livestock. Their need for water is different from women and girls.

Usage: Guidance for project implementation

Audiences: Gender and diversity practitioners; Technical staff