Purpose

This briefing paper looks at the importance of gender within Red Cross programmes and services and offers some suggestions about how Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies might integrate gender into water and sanitation programmes and strategies.

Overview

As women are the main users and managers of domestic water, and usually the primary carers in a household, their involvement in the planning, management and evaluation of water and sanitation programmes is extremely important.

Water and sanitation projects involving both women and men provide a range of benefits in the design, management and maintenance of projects.

There are substantial benefits for women and their communities when water and sanitation activities provide better access to water.

Usage: Guidance for project implementation

Audiences: Gender and diversity practitioners; Technical staff