Gendering the design, planning, implementation and operation of sanitation-hygiene programs under Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programs (RWSSP) in Karamoja

Abstract

Effective sanitation programs are essential in providing a clean and sanitary environment. However, millions of people are restricted from accessing hygiene and sanitation facilities due to the influence of gender and cultural constrains. Karamoja region, in North-Eastern Uganda, is one of the regions with use of improved sanitation facilities between 41% in Northern Karamoja and 11% in the South. The Karamajong have a very strong cultural beliefs that influences the way they respond to better improved and hygiene practices and messages. There is scanty literature on level and extent of involvement of men and women in the design, implementation and operation of sanitation programs in Karamoja. Employing a cross sectional survey design with limited qualitative methods, this study investigated the extent of involvement of both men and women in the design, implementation and operation of sanitation programs under Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Program (RWSSP) in Karamoja. The quantitative method applied survey questionnaire tools and qualitative methods applied Focus Group Discussion’s guide, checklist, document review and Key Informant Interview guide. Women in Karamoja participate more in implementing the sanitation activities while men dominate in making decisions concerning sanitation and hygiene design and resource allocation. Negative cultural attitudes towards proper sanitation and hygiene such as open defecation, poverty, limited education, limited funding, poor prospects of ad3equate follow up and support to sanitation and hygiene committees by Sub-county and District Local Government limits both men and women from participating in planning and accessing sanitary and hygiene support equipment. Abandonment of some sanitation facilities like latrines due to unequal participation and lack of sense of ownership was also common. In Rupa sub-county there is gender imbalance in the design, implementation, operation and maintenance of sanitation programs. Decision making on planning of sanitation programs is dominated by men and women because of the patriarchy and related cultural norms. Therefore, there is need to integrate both men and women in decision making and implementation of sanitation programs. This will lead to more involvement of both men and women, improve commitment and sustainable operation and maintenance of sanitation facilities.