Understanding Gender-Based Vulnerabilities in Crisis Contexts
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a widespread human rights issue that disproportionately affects women and girls, especially in crisis and conflict settings. Emergencies and disasters can exacerbate existing inequalities and increase the risk of GBV, further undermining the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of affected populations.
In the context of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, gender-based vulnerabilities manifest in many ways. Women and girls often face greater barriers in accessing safe and private WASH facilities, exposing them to increased risks of harassment, assault, and other forms of GBV. Inadequate access to menstrual hygiene management (MHM) products and facilities can also compromise the ability of women and girls to manage their periods with dignity.
Furthermore, the gendered division of household labor means that women and girls frequently bear the burden of collecting water, increasing their exposure to protection risks. Unsanitary water sources and lack of proper waste management facilities can lead to the spread of water-borne diseases, with disproportionate impacts on women’s health and caregiving responsibilities.
To address these critical issues, the humanitarian WASH sector must adopt a gender-responsive approach that recognizes and proactively mitigates gender-based vulnerabilities at all stages of emergency response and recovery efforts.
Integrating Gender Considerations into WASH Interventions
Assessing Gender-Based Vulnerabilities
Conducting comprehensive gender analyses and assessments is a crucial first step in understanding the unique challenges and risks faced by women, girls, men, and boys in crisis contexts. This involves collecting sex- and age-disaggregated data, as well as qualitative information on cultural norms, decision-making dynamics, and barriers to accessing WASH services.
The IOM’s GBViC Framework provides a helpful model for assessing gender-based vulnerabilities, outlining three key approaches:
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Mitigating Risks: Identifying and addressing GBV risks in all WASH programming, such as the location and design of WASH facilities, to prevent incidents of violence.
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Supporting Survivors: Ensuring access to specialized GBV response services, including referrals to healthcare, psychosocial support, and legal aid.
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Addressing Root Causes: Addressing the underlying social, cultural, and power dynamics that perpetuate gender inequalities and GBV.
By adopting this multifaceted framework, WASH actors can gain a nuanced understanding of gender-based vulnerabilities and tailor their interventions accordingly.
Participatory Design and Implementation
Meaningful community engagement is essential for developing gender-responsive WASH programs. This involves actively consulting with women, girls, men, and boys to understand their specific needs, preferences, and concerns related to water, sanitation, and hygiene.
For example, in the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh, the Women’s Refugee Commission found that many women reported feeling unsafe when collecting water or accessing latrines due to the lack of privacy and security measures. By actively seeking the input of women and girls, WASH actors were able to design and implement interventions that addressed these critical protection concerns.
Through participatory approaches, WASH programs can ensure that the unique needs of all community members are taken into account, and that the interventions do not inadvertently exacerbate existing gender inequalities.
Incorporating Gender-Responsive WASH Indicators
Monitoring and evaluation frameworks for WASH interventions should include gender-responsive indicators to track progress in addressing gender-based vulnerabilities. This could include metrics such as:
- Percentage of women and girls who report feeling safe when accessing WASH facilities
- Number of gender-segregated and disability-accessible latrines constructed
- Percentage of women and girls who have access to and are satisfied with menstrual hygiene management products and facilities
By systematically collecting and analyzing gender-disaggregated data, WASH actors can identify gaps, refine their approaches, and ensure that their interventions are truly meeting the needs of all community members.
Strengthening Coordination and Partnerships
Addressing gender-based vulnerabilities in WASH emergencies requires close collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders, including protection, health, and gender specialists. WASH actors should actively engage with these partners to align their interventions, share best practices, and leverage each other’s expertise.
For instance, in the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh, IOM worked closely with the Protection Cluster and GBV Sub-Cluster to integrate GBV risk mitigation measures into their WASH programming. This included training Shelter staff on recognizing and addressing GBV risks in camp design and layout.
By fostering these multisectoral partnerships, WASH programs can ensure that their interventions are holistic, comprehensive, and responsive to the diverse needs of crisis-affected populations.
Addressing Menstrual Hygiene Management in Emergencies
Ensuring access to adequate menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a critical, yet often overlooked, component of gender-responsive WASH interventions in crisis settings. Lack of access to MHM products, private and safe WASH facilities, and accurate information can have profound impacts on the health, dignity, and psychosocial wellbeing of women and girls.
In emergency contexts, where resources and infrastructure are strained, women and girls may resort to using unsafe, unhygienic, or uncomfortable materials to manage their periods. This can lead to increased risk of reproductive tract infections, skin irritation, and other health issues. Moreover, the stigma and shame surrounding menstruation can prevent women and girls from accessing WASH facilities, further exacerbating their vulnerability.
To address these challenges, WASH actors should:
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Conduct MHM Assessments: Collect data on the specific MHM needs, practices, and preferences of women and girls in the affected community. This can inform the design and targeting of MHM interventions.
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Provide Menstrual Hygiene Supplies: Distribute a variety of culturally appropriate menstrual products, including reusable and disposable options, to ensure that all women and girls have access to the materials they need.
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Construct Private and Dignified WASH Facilities: Ensure that latrines, bathing spaces, and MHM rooms are designed with the safety, privacy, and comfort of women and girls in mind, with provisions for menstrual waste disposal.
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Implement Menstrual Hygiene Education: Engage in comprehensive menstrual health education to challenge stigma, provide accurate information, and empower women and girls to manage their periods with confidence.
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Involve Women and Girls in Decision-Making: Actively consult with women and girls to understand their specific needs and preferences, and incorporate their feedback into the design and implementation of MHM interventions.
By addressing the unique MHM needs of crisis-affected populations, WASH programs can promote the health, dignity, and overall wellbeing of women and girls, while also mitigating the risks of GBV.
Strengthening Accountability and Community Engagement
Effective community engagement and accountability are fundamental to ensuring that WASH interventions are responsive to the needs and concerns of all crisis-affected persons, particularly women and girls.
WASH actors should establish robust feedback and complaint mechanisms that are accessible, confidential, and responsive to the unique needs of different community members. This could include setting up hotlines, suggestion boxes, or community meetings, where individuals can safely report any issues or concerns related to WASH services, including GBV-related incidents.
Moreover, WASH programs should actively involve crisis-affected communities in all stages of the project cycle, from needs assessments to monitoring and evaluation. This not only promotes ownership and sustainability but also helps to build trust and accountability between aid providers and the communities they serve.
For example, in South Sudan, IOM’s WASH team engaged in various participatory activities, such as focus group discussions and community mapping exercises, to ensure that women’s and girls’ voices were heard and their needs were addressed in the design and implementation of WASH interventions.
By prioritizing community accountability and participation, WASH actors can enhance the effectiveness, inclusivity, and sustainability of their emergency response efforts, while also empowering crisis-affected populations to take an active role in their own protection and recovery.
Conclusion
Addressing gender-based vulnerabilities in emergency WASH interventions is essential for promoting the safety, dignity, and overall wellbeing of crisis-affected populations, particularly women and girls. By adopting a comprehensive, gender-responsive approach that incorporates robust assessments, participatory design, gender-sensitive indicators, and strengthened coordination and accountability, WASH actors can help to mitigate the risks of GBV and ensure that their interventions truly meet the diverse needs of all community members.
Ultimately, this holistic approach not only benefits women and girls but also contributes to more equitable, inclusive, and effective emergency response efforts that leave no one behind. As the humanitarian WASH sector continues to evolve, it is crucial that gender-based vulnerabilities remain a central focus, guiding the development of innovative, context-specific, and transformative interventions.
