On 30 and 31 May 2024, the WASH-Gender Team, hosted a National Workshop on to examine the complex ways men and women experience access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) across cultural contexts and within micro-geographies in Nigeria. Highlights of the workshop which took place at the University of Uyo’s Directorate of International Programmes office seminar room included presentation of project overview and research findings, sharing of experiences and perspectives on the findings by representatives from our host communities, Eastern Obolo and Ini LGAs in Akwa Ibom and insightful discussions and deepening of understanding of gender dynamics in WASH access across Nigeria.

On the day two of the workshop, participants explored innovative approaches to promote WaSH awareness and behaviour change among students who can become community advocates through the School WaSH advocacy program. The workshop fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas, with undergraduate scholars presenting their research and personal stories on WaSH challenges in their communities, providing a valuable Launchpad for their careers as change-makers in the WaSH sector. Thought-provoking questions and reflections emerged during the interactive Q&A session. These discussions helped identify critical challenges, opportunities, and pathways forward in addressing gender disparities in WaSH access. Additionally, representatives from various ministries provided valuable perspectives and highlighted their commitment to tackling this critical issue and utilizing the results of the research findings in policy formulation in their several ministries.

The WaSH-Gender project is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs through IHE-Delft Water and Development Partnership programmes and implemented by a consortium of seven organisations of which Devimpath is one.