Grappling with Gendered Crises: Women’s Access and Participation in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Activities at Tongogara Refugee Camp, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This paper analyses the participation of women as primary providers, users and managers of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) at household level in Tongogara Refugee Camp (TRC), in Zimbabwe. The study argues that the participation of women is essential for the success of WASH projects and for programme sustainability, but the patriarchal nature of the projects has left most women at the periphery of the planning process. Informed by a feminist political ecology (FPE) approach, the study utilises a qualitative methodology in which data were gathered through 68 interviews, five key informant interviews, eight Focus Group Discussions, observations and a desk review. The research findings show gaps in women’s access, use and control of WASH facilities. Despite their vast knowledge in water management, women still bear the brunt of water shortages and struggle for power. The study concludes that women still grapple with crises of access, use and control of WASH facilities in TRC. Improving access and availability of WASH facilities will reduce incidences of gender-based violence and the burden of WASH shortages on women in TRC.