Factors Influencing the Participation of Women in Rural Water Supply Projects in the Asante Akim South District

Citation:

Boateng, J. D., and S. B. Kendie. 2015. “Factors Influencing the Participation of Women in Rural Water Supply Projects in the Asante Akim South District.” Journal of Arts and Social Sciences 3 (1): 220-42.

Authors: J. D. Boateng, S. B. Kendie

Abstract:

This article discusses factors influencing the participation of women in Asante Akim South District in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, eight communities from four out of seven clustered circuits operating under Phase III of the Rural Water Supply Project (RWSP) were selected. Data were collected from 256 household respondents in the communities under study. Two factors were found to influence the participation of women in decision-making in RWSP project in the district. These were, male domineering and socio-cultural norms which inhibit women to participate actively in decision-making fora in the district. The study suggests that to ensure active participation of women in the district, there is the need to develop a gender awareness system whereby the different interests and knowledge of men and women are included in the design and management of water supply systems. Precisely, there is the need to promote the involvement and inclusion of all members of the community in such development projects.

Keywords: gender, rural, water supply, water management, participation, community

Topics: Development, Environment, Gender, Women, Gendered Power Relations, Gender Equality/Inequality, Households, Infrastructure, Water & Sanitation Regions: Africa, West Africa Countries: Ghana

Year: 2015