Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene as a Gender Based Violence Risk: How Inadequate Access to Clean and Reliable Water Increases Rates of Violence Against Women in East Africa

Abstract

Accessing clean water and adequate sanitation poses significant risks to the health and wellbeing of women and girls in East Africa. Without having access to local and dependable sources of water, the prevalence of water-borne diseases, health and safety hazards, and social barriers increase. Grounded in Feminist and Structural Functionalism theories, this research was designed to better understand Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) realities and the various types of associated burdens and risks. Using focus groups and key informant interviews, 36 health care professionals from various East African countries, such as Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, and South Sudan, were solicited in an effort to capture the real, lived experiences of practitioners working most intimately with these issues. All data were gathered at Uganda Christian University in Mukono, Uganda, and reflect both the personal and professional accounts of health care professionals living and working throughout communities within these countries. The findings of this study indicate that for as long as poor water and sanitation access and hygiene practices continue to plague the development of women in urban and rural communities, women and pregnant women will continue to suffer from dangerous diseases and brutal attacks of violence. Honing in on the latter concept, this study uncovered a significant link between inadequate water access and rates of domestic violence, sexual assault, and animal attacks. Understanding the health professional perspective is crucial in gathering relevant data. Through this effort, the findings of this study have been informed by those most knowledgeable on the WaSH realities identified and therefore has the ability to influence both policy and programs in realistic and productive ways. With the goal of determining and then diminishing identified risks, the data gathered from this research are meant to be used as evidence to help empower and advance women throughout East Africa.