Addressing Gender Imbalances: Breaking the Mold in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) Value Chain for Improved Outcomes in Nigeria.

Itoro Umoren, University of Uyo, Uyo
Dorothy N. Ononokpono, University of Uyo

Recent report shows a declining trend in access to basic water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) facilities and non-availability of gender inclusive WaSH facilities in Nigeria. This results from the gender imbalance in the WaSH value chain which limits availability of gender friendly facilities to meet with increasing population demands. Thus, exposing the populace to suffering a multitude of preventable diseases. The study seeks to address gender imbalances in the WaSH value chain in order to achieve improved outcomes to accelerate the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3, 5 and 6. It utilize Ribot and Peluzo’s Theory of Access, to provide a detailed understanding of gender dynamics within the WaSH sector value chain. It adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis to uncover how gendered power relations and social norms affect access to WaSH resource control and hinders positive WaSH outcomes. Findings will offer valuable insights for stakeholders to work towards more inclusive WaSH interventions for sustainable outcomes and also create awareness on the gender imbalance within the value chain.

Keywords: Gender Dynamics, Mixed methods research, Population and Development

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