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Water governance from gender perspective : a review case of Lake Chad

Sanusi, S.A. (2018) Water governance from gender perspective : a review case of Lake Chad.

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Abstract:In mapping, the relationship between water— envisioned in all its breadth—and gender, this report provides a comprehensive theory, to the knowledge that points out that water and gender are intimately connected, and that water can be seen as a canvas for the play of social and gender relations. Gender is increasingly being recognised globally as an essential factor for water governance. Despite this recognition, women are nevertheless excluded from water governance decision-making in some parts of the globe (mostly in developing countries), which as a result has proved somewhat failed governance practices. The exclusion has resulted in consequences for water's capacity and efficiency. Gender exclusion often stems from traditional and profoundly rooted gender differences where women, compared to men, are not given the same rights and opportunities to participate. Notably, this study focuses on what gender means in water governance, who gets to participate and not and what are the reasons behind the hindrance of a particular gender. What were the possible approaches to rid of the obstacles and challenges that may hinder equitable gender participation? Also, the relationship between gender and knowledge co-production explained in the research and what it means in gender. Based on a review of vast, in-depth literature and provision of a case study, the paper presents a “perspective” of gender in the reviewed case of Lake Chad to envision water and Impute its relationship with gender more clearly. The Lake Chad serves as a source of livelihood to all its habitats and has suffered from environmental, social and political issues right from the 1970s till present times. The production, distribution and use of water are not efficient, sufficient, or sustainable as a result of the improper governance and several issues. The issues impede the region's socio-economic development. Most affected are women and children as they are often directly linked to the water source through their primary role as water collectors. Concerning this, the research investigated the importance of both men and women in participatory decision-making on water governance within the lake's region. Also, the importance of knowledge in the water charter, mainly, knowledge concerning gender was reviewed and investigated. From the interviews, literature review and policy paper (water charter), the study found these water issues are both environmental, political and social; however, researchers and governing bodies of the Lake are more concerned with the environmental and political issue (climate change) that makes social issues being frowned upon amongst the lake's problems. The social issues are mostly a result of cultural norms and insufficient knowledge/education in the region along with the on-going insurgency. The solutions as suggested by the interviewees would be to strengthen education and awareness, support the population by building capacity and creating and enforcing laws that allow genders to participate in the decision-making of water equitably. The gender knowledge in the Lake Chad Basin Commission's water charter should be more elaborate on the roles and relations of gender, as that seems to be lacking.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:ET: Engineering Technology
Subject:56 civil engineering
Programme:Civil Engineering and Management MSc (60026)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/76634
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