Womens involvement in a water and sanitation project in rural Bangladesh.

This case study of womens involvement in a water supply and sanitation (WSS) project in Bangladesh illustrated that social and cultural factors were not a barrier to the community participation of women. Appropriate approaches to involvement and training were adopted. The WSS project in Mirzapur was evaluated during 1984-87 and compared with a control area. The intervention area received 148 handpumps 754 twin pit latrines and hygiene education that promoted use of these facilities. Women were involved in consultations decision making and monitoring and maintenance of handpumps and latrines. The mostly male local leaders were consulted before the selection of project sites. Community response to the free handpumps was great but intensive consultations were required in order to promote the purchase of the latrines even at the price of 30% less than the actual cost. The second year included a lower cost for latrines in accord with the financial constraints in the community. The community was involved in the selection of sites for handpumps and latrines. 30 local female volunteers maintained the handpumps (3/pump). Women monitored the flow of water by counting strokes of the pump. The community worked together to fence in latrines with locally available materials. Local female volunteers desludged filled latrine pits and received financial incentives for this effort. Most of the female volunteers were housewives. Their new roles in the community appeared to be accepted by the male household members and the rural village society. The maintenance tasks were fulfilled to everyones satisfaction. Even though womens literacy levels were low female volunteers performed the same jobs as more highly trained mechanics and saved on operating costs.