Research project: Making the invisible visible - Vanuatu case study report

The research project ‘Making the invisible visible’ explores the strategies, steps and activities that are working to promote gender equity in, and through, water and sanitation program in the Pacific. The Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) and the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA) are currently undertaking research funded by AusAID to investigate gender outcomes in water and sanitation initiatives in the Pacific with partner NGOs.

The study has focused on two Pacific case studies that incorporate gender strategies and support community decision making processes: World Vision’s Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST) initiatives in rural Vanuatu and Live and Learn’s water governance and sustainable communities’ projects in Fiji.

The intention is for the research to build on existing strengths and be a learning process for all involved. This report presents the research methods and findings of the Vanuatu case study. Gender equality outcomes identified by participants in Vanuatu communities are summarised below. These were the outcomes on which women and men placed particular value and importance.

• Positive changes in gender relations at the family and/or household level
• Reduction in violence at the household level
• Positive changes in gender relations at the community level
• Women’s inclusion in decision making processes in their community
• Women’s labour in collecting water reduced and their practical need for water, hygiene and sanitation facilities satisfied

The next stage will be the development of guidance material for NGO practitioners in March in Vanuatu.

Download the Vanuatu case study

For more information  n the Fiji Case study

For more information on the project go to http://www.genderinpacificwash.info/