WASH management by women in religious settings (Malawi)

Management of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) issues affect women and girls during religious rallies in TA Chiwere. Gender inequality within the community and in religious groups hampers women involvement in decision making. The study assessed management of water, sanitation and hygiene by women and girls during rallies in T.A. Chiwere, Dowa District in Malawi. A population of 12,249, women and girls from 155 Christian and 12 Islamic religions were sampled using purposive sampling method. It was a qualitative study. Data collection methods included in-depth-interviews, focus groups, key informants and participant observations. The findings showed that there were critical shortages of WASH facilities during religious rallies in T. A Chiwere.
Factors such as economic and leadership challenges, barriers to women involvement in WASH decision making stem from male dominance, economic obstacles, gender inequality prevalent in religious groupings and in communities disproportionately affected women and girls. The study recommended that religious leaders to be making proper consultations with authorities before religious rallies for proper and inclusive sanitation arrangements for women and girls alongside men, Religious leaders to be considering proper sanitation for all during religious rallies. Government should consider the formulation of specific policies, guidelines, or regulations to ensure privacy, safety, and dignity of women and girls when accessing sanitation facilities during religious rallies.