Roles of Women Engagement in Managing WASH Projects in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Mufindi District, Tanzania

Women’s participation in managing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) projects is crucial for the sustainability and success of these initiatives, yet remains significantly limited, particularly in rural areas. This cross-sectional study, conducted with 163 participants, explores the challenges and opportunities surrounding women’s roles in WASH project management, focusing on their participation, the influence of cultural practices, and the availability of capacity-building programs to support women's leadership. Findings show that while women engage in community outreach and planning, their leadership and decision-making roles are restricted by traditional gender roles and patriarchal norms. A lack of training programs further limits their leadership potential. Additionally, the study highlights a severe shortage of training programs aimed at empowering women to assume leadership roles in WASH management, particularly in rural areas where access to these resources is most limited. The study recommends gender-sensitive policies and expanded training initiatives to promote women’s inclusion and leadership in WASH management, essential for achieving sustainable outcomes.