1 The Role of Women in Water Development

In rural areas of developing countries, such as Kenya, women understand the urgent need for improved accessibility to water sources. It is estimated that most rural women spent more than 80 percent of their time drawing, carrying, managing and using water. In most cases this water is inadequate and unsafe. About 67.5 % of the rural and 6.7 % of the urban households have access to unsafe water sources. (CBS’s Housing Survey 1994). Most women may not be aware of water related diseases nor do they see a direct relationship between improved water supply and health, but once water sources become available, they quickly evaluate the benefits in terms of improved sanitation, personal hygiene, increased food security and reduced workload. Clearly, women have much to gain from an improved water supply through rainwater collection. The additional time gained will ensure its sustainability, because the time saved can be used for income generating activities, such as growing more food crops, commercial activities, and promoting their family health. Women's Roles The important role that women play in relation to improving rural water systems includes design, planing, construction, operation and maintenance. The purpose of this paper is to explore five key factors in the development of water resources from the woman’s perspective, namely:-an agent of change manager of water systems a user and beneficiary an acceptor of technology an educator of primary health care services 1. The change agent factor Women and children are at the center of any intervention that is water related particularly regarding domestic use. They are the key change agents of improved water technology and behavioral change both on a household and a community level. a) Household level As people who select water sources (in areas that have choices) women determine the quality of the water that they carry home based on their perceptions of what is good and acceptable. As carriers of water, women directly influence the volume of water consumed and thu