Gender Aspects of Improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Practice Adoption in Girar-Jarso Woreda, North Shewa Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia
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Date
2021-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the gender aspects of improved WASH practice adoption in Grar
Jarso woreda, north shewa zone of oromia region, Ethiopia. The motivation behind
conducting this study was to increase the understanding of the community, academician,
policymaker and those who use this research as a starting point to undertake further study on
how WASH practice and its sustainability was ensured through avoiding gender-based
difference and promote equal participation. In this study, both primary and secondary source
of data, as well as the quantitative and qualitative approach, was applied. An interview guide
and checklist were prepared to conduct an unstructured interview with key informants and
focus group discussions. A close-ended questionnaire was used to collect primary data from
selected household respondents. The secondary source of data was gathered from different
publications, articles, reports, previous studies, books and websites. For the purpose of this
study out of the total 17 kebeles of the woreda about two kebeles were selected and from the
total 1484 households of the two kebeles, about 315 sample households were selected
through random sampling techniques. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive
analysis using SPSS version 20. Women are vital agents for improving potable water,
sanitation and the hygiene status of the household.The sanitation status of households plays a
significant role in environmental and human health. Several interventions were undertaken
by different stakeholders and NGOs such as constructing toilets in the school compound and
around villages in the near distance for households, creating awareness about owning area
free from fieance and urine as well as the adverse impacts of open defecation on the
environment and human health, but still, gaps persist on understanding and sustaining
WASH practice. The results of the study revealed that the source of water used throughout
the year was hand-dug well and spring respectively. Related to this the sanitation status of
households was subject to the source of income and means of livelihoods and have a gender
dimension. Open defecation and urination are influenced by culture and gender differences
which have health and environmental implication. On the other hand, the hygiene practice of
households shows progress, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, there should
be a strong correlation between water and energy, education, health and women's youth and
children's offices to ensure gender equality and WASH practice adoption.
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Keywords
Environment, Gender water, sanitation, hygiene practice and adoption