2. Gender, water, poverty and human rights

Over the years, it has become accepted as a truism that water programmes need a gender-sensitive approach. That is fine, but sometimes it is necessary to recall why. If we are to urge government officials, mayors, community leaders, the media and other opinion-formers to help to mainstream gender considerations into development activities, some key facts and figures strengthen the argument. Chapter 1 of the TOP lists nine important reasons for building gender considerations into any development programme. They emphasise the crucial links between poverty, water, health and education and the disproportionate burdens imposed on poor women.

The refresher course continues with a reminder of why the focus has changed from “the role of women” to the broader consideration of gender roles as a whole. The concepts of gender equity, gender equality and gender mainstreaming are distinguished and explained in Chapter 1 (Concepts), with references to more comprehensive texts for those seeking further details of how the concepts can affect development policies. Gender analysis is presented as a way of exposing planners to current realities and guiding their programmes towards more equitable development. It does so by asking awkward questions about who does what, who benefits, who has control, in relation to men and women of different social status, ethnicity and influence.

The demonstration that poor women have the greatest burdens but the least influence, and often benefit least from proposed water programmes, should not come as a surprise to many. However, if it is repeatedly highlighted in planning processes, the pressure for change mounts inexorably. The changes needed include removing historical handicaps faced by women. Critically though, they also involve reviewing the strengths and capabilities of both sexes at all levels, to share decision-making, management and operational roles without increasing the workload of women already burdened by family responsibilities.