GENDER ASPECTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESSOURCES

Christine van Wijk, Esther de Lange and David Saunders

IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre,
P.O. Box 93190, 2509 AD The Hague, The Netherlands.
Tel: +31(70)331 4133, Fax: +31(70) 3814034,
e-mail: irc-water@geo2.geonet or ircwater@ antenna-nl.

ABSTRACT

Water resources increasingly need to meet the demands and needs of different sectors and be protected against deteriorating quantity and quality. This paper discusses the different interests of men and women in the use of water resources, and what effects especially the neglect of female interests have on development. The authors stress that besides class and ethnic differences also the different interests of men and women play a role in the cross-sectoral management of water resources. Water pricing, property rights and management structures are three key aspects where a gender approach is required. In the management of water resources in smaller catchment areas, several instruments for a gender approach have been developed. Discussed are gender specific participatory research, planning and tools, gender in management organizations and task divisions and involvement of multi-disciplinary teams with a gender orientation.

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