Roles of Women Engagement in Managing WASH Projects in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Mufindi District, Tanzania

Abstract

Women’s participation in managing Water,
Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) projects is
crucial for the sustainability and success of
these initiatives, yet remains significantly
limited, particularly in rural areas. This crosssectional study, conducted with 163
participants, explores the challenges and
opportunities surrounding women’s roles in
WASH project management, focusing on their
participation, the influence of cultural
practices, and the availability of capacitybuilding programs to support women's
leadership. Findings show that while women
engage in community outreach and planning,
their leadership and decision-making roles are
restricted by traditional gender roles and
patriarchal norms. A lack of training programs
further limits their leadership potential.
Additionally, the study highlights a severe
shortage of training programs aimed at
empowering women to assume leadership roles
in WASH management, particularly in rural
areas where access to these resources is most
limited. The study recommends gender-sensitive
policies and expanded training initiatives to promote
women’s inclusion and leadership in WASH
management, essential for achieving sustainable
outcomes.