Gender equity in water management

Vasudha Pangare

Director

World Water Institute

Gender equity in water management

What does this mean to you?

Women play a greater role in agriculture and food production, contribute to food security

They are the principal users and providers of water

Yet

They have less access to land and productive resources and receive lower wages

Why are women left out of decision making in water management?

• Not recognised as partners in development (farmer)

• Do not own productive assets (land)

• Contribution to household, village and national economy not recognised (family labour)

Water related projects have a high technical component (women are considered to be technically illiterate)

Why do women need to be involved in decision making of water management?

• Impact on women’s livelihoods (livestock and wage labour in agriculture)

• Impact on food security at household level (change to cash crops)

• Impact on health and hygiene

What can be done?

• Identify the social and productive needs of women (livelihood analysis by season)

• Understand the division of labour and responsibilities in the community

• Attitudinal changes in men

• Facilitate the effective participation of women

• Recognise the economic contribution of women to household and village economy