Authors
Grace Oluwasanya, Ayodetimi Omoniyi, Duminda Perera, Manzoor Qadir, Kaveh Madani
Publication date
2024/3/21
Source
United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH)
Description
This report investigated the interplay between water quality, sanitation, hygiene and gender by examining distinct variables of water quality and their varying impacts on gender like reported water-related illnesses of males and females, and the consequences of water quality, sanitation, and hygiene on menstrual hygiene practices, particularly focusing on a low- and middle-income country- LMICs. This report presents the key findings, outlining a framework and guidance for examining gender-specific impacts stemming from poor water quality and WASH practices through a piloted case study in Abeokuta City, Nigeria, to serve as a preliminary guide for conducting comprehensive, site-specific assessments. The piloted Differential Impacts Assessment, DIA framework is a 5-step approach, guiding the evaluation of gendered impacts from method design to the field activities, which include water sampling and laboratory analysis, public survey, and health data collection, to the data and gender analysis. The focus on low- and middle-income countries underscores the importance of DIA in such regions for better health and socioeconomic outcomes, promoting inclusive development. The study results reveal unsettling, largely unseen gender disparities in exposure to health-related risks associated with non-utility water sources and highlight pronounced differences in water source preferences and utilization, the burden of water sourcing and collection, and health- and hygiene-related practices. Specifically, this preliminary assessment indicates an alarming inadequacy in accessing WASH services within the pilot study area, raising considerable doubts …
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