Socio-cultural impacts on women’s participation in water decision making and conflict resolution processes in Rwanda and Kenya

Women’s position in the society gives them crucial knowledge for water decision making and management of related conflicts. However, their contribution to governance of water resources is constrained by systemic inequalities and normative beliefs on their roles and responsibilities. This study examined the impacts of socio-cultural factors on women’s participation in water decision making and conflict resolution process in Rwanda and Kenya. The focus was Tuyiteho Mukunguli Water User Association in Rwanda (TMWUA) and Nyando Water Resource Users Association (NWRUA) in Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design and targeted 250 women form TMWUA and 140 women from NWRUA with an aim of highlighting the different socio-cultural contexts in local water governance. Proportionate stratified sampling was used and primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and Chi-Square Tests were applied for quantitative data analysis. This study revealed that there were still some deeply ingrained socio cultural factors hindering women’s effective participation, with 26.9% of the women from TMWUA and 17.1% from NWUA who strongly agree that existing cultural barriers influence their engagements in decision making and conflict resolution processes. The study recommends that there is a need for promoting culturally appropriate ways to involve women in water management and working with traditional governance structures and advocating for women positions in these structures. This can enhance the sustainability of water conflict resolution outcomes.