THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN COMMUNITY-LED TOTAL SANITATION PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION IN THE KUMBUNGU DISTRICT, NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Women participation in Community-Led Total Sanitation is considered to be essential element in developing communities. (Managing the sanitation facilities effectively and sustaining it, is as a result of women active involvement throughout Community-Led Total Sanitation process) For some years now in Ghana, rural women participation in community led total sanitation seems encouraging, but yet a few are being involved in decision-making and planning. The study explored women’s role in Community-Led Total Sanitation programme implementation in Kumbungu District. A cross sectional descriptive design and mixed method was used to carry out the research work. Kumbungu District was the study setting and the study population consist of women and female natural leaders of sixteen years and above were the participants. The Four (4) communities which included, Timonayili, Tigyoring, Gbanzogu, and Zangbaling Kukowhich were purposively selected for the study. The sample size of the research was eighty-six (86) households’ respondents’ for quantitative and thirty-two (32) respondents for 4 focus group discussions in all the communities. Data source was primary and secondary, where primary data were collected from focus group interviews with the used of interview guide and pre-tested questionnaire was administered from households. Secondary data were from relevant books, articles and journals that were in line with the research work and also from internet. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the four (4) study communities and females’ natural leaders who were part of the gender analysis for focus group discussions whilst simple random sampling was used to select households’ respondents in each community. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical package for social scientists and qualitative data were manual thematic analysis. The study revealed how women involvement in CLTS activities accelerated the achievement of ODF in the District. Women were able to convince and support their husbands to construct household latrines within the stipulated time by carry water, picking stones, flooring, plastering, cooking and even supporting financially and also championed general cleaning of the environment. The study recommends that, Kumbungu District Assembly should ensure that the CLTS field facilitators always involve women in CLTS activities and in decision-making in community development programmes for the achievement of ODFs and its sustainability.