The emerging power : women in the Indo-Dutch Water Supply and Sanitation Projects : an overview of a policy put on an operational footing

The Indo-Dutch Water Supply and Sanitation Programme which started in 1978, has evolved into a programme with strong social objectives. The programme is executed in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and, recently, Karnataka. It is planned and implemented in cooperation with government departments, parastatals and NGOs, to ensure sustained water supply and hygienic sanitary conditions in the villages involved. Through innovative approaches, the programme tries to overcome obstacles to women's participation and aims at strengthening the influence they exert over projects implemented in their vicinity. During the course of the programme it has become evident that men and women play a variety of roles, often overlapping and complementary. Women are responsible for the well-being of the household, for the collection, storage and use of water. They are also the guardians of household cleanliness. This booklet specifically details the involvement of women in the programme. It deals with the successes arising from the programme in relation to the role women play in water supply and sanitation. It also outlines a gender-sensitive approach. The various Indo-Dutch projects are described in the states mentioned above. This description illustrates the various choices made and describes the organizations that help shape the programme.