Publication: Mainstreaming Gender in Water and Sanitation
Date
2010-11
ISSN
Published
2010-11
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
Gender is a concept that refers to
socially constructed roles, behavior, activities and
attributes that a particular society considers appropriate
and ascribes to men and women. A useful definition of the
concept of gender mainstreaming is provided by the United
Nations Economic and Social Council (1997), suggests that
mainstreaming a gender perspective is the process of
assessing the implications for women and men of any planned
action, including legislation, policies or programs, in all
areas and at all levels. It is a strategy for making the
concerns and experiences of women as well as men, an
integral dimension of the design, implementation, monitoring
and evaluation of policies and programs in all political,
economic and societal spheres, so that women and men benefit
equally and inequality is not perpetuated. The ultimate goal
is to achieve gender equality. The chapters that follow
highlight in a short summary form experiences of
mainstreaming gender at various levels in the water and
sanitation sector. It begins with a discussion on gender
responses to policy and its requirement for analysis and
clear policy objectives to guide operations. The second
section touches on experiences of mainstreaming gender
within sector operations, beginning with the importance of
mainstreaming in the workplace. Section three addresses
gender responses to monitoring and evaluation processes,
while the fourth section examines responses to gender issues
within accountability and voice initiatives. Section five
assesses gender responses within hygiene and behavior change
programs, while section six examines the linkages between
water, sanitation and HIV/AIDS. This is followed by an
assessment of the way ahead. In each section good
mainstreaming practices are highlighted, while a checklist
summarizes key points to consider when mainstreaming gender.
Link to Data Set
Citation
“World Bank. 2010. Mainstreaming Gender in Water and Sanitation. Water and sanitation program working paper. © Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/17274 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”