Assessment of women's participation in community Based projects in upper manza water and sanitation Project in Tala Division, Kangundo District

Abstract

This study sought to assess the participation of women in community based projects. The major focus was on participation of women in Upper Manza Water and Sanitation Project. The' study used purposive sampling to select key project officials and local leaders. Other participants were selected through stratified random sampling to give primary data with the qualitative data analyzed using Microsoft word editor. This data was also collated and organized according to the study objectives. Evidence from this study showed that women in Upper Manza Water and Sanitation Project have not fully taken their numerical advantage to assert their contributions in running the project. This is despite they being the main beneficiaries of improved water management in the community; their substantial contributions are largely hidden behind social norms regarding gender roles and relations. It is, therefore, recommended that women's empowerment must be the concern of both women and men and the degree to which a project is defined as potentially empowering women is shown by the extent to which it addresses women's practical and immediate needs.