Gendered analysis of socio-economic challenges of water access and implications for equitable water management in Juba City

Abstract

This study investigated the interplay of socio-economic, physical, institutional, and cultural factors affecting women’s access to safe water and their participation in water management in Juba City, South Sudan. The study was guided by four objectives: (i) to identify the socio-economic factors hindering water access; (ii) to assess the effect of these factors on women’s access to safe water; (iii) to establish the status of women’s participation in water provision and management; and (iv) to examine the constraints that hinder women’s effective participation in water governance. A sample of 300 households was selected using stratified random sampling across six divisions in Juba City. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, cross-tabulations, and chi-square tests to examine associations between key variables. Findings indicate that socio-economic and demographic variables such as age, sex, education level, marital status, and employment type were not statistically significant determinants of access to safe water. In contrast, physical access variables were highly influential: households traveled an average of 3,215 meters to reach a water source, with some walking up to 6 kilometers, and 63% reported waiting over 30 minutes at water points. Additionally, 78% of respondents reported water scarcity during dry months, and 58% experienced at least one incident of water-related conflict or harassment, particularly affecting women and children. Regarding participation, while women are responsible for water collection in over 80% of households, only 18% reported female involvement in water management decisions, and even fewer in technical roles. Constraints to participation included low education levels, lack of legal awareness, male-dominated decision-making structures, and institutional environments perceived as unwelcoming to women. The study recommends a multi-pronged approach to improve water access and women’s participation. These include expanding and decentralizing water infrastructure to reduce distance and waiting time, enforcing gender-sensitive water policies, and initiating community sensitization campaigns to challenge harmful cultural norms. Capacity-building programs focused on technical skills and leadership for women, along with institutional reforms to make governance spaces more inclusive, are also critical. Addressing both the physical and structural barriers is essential to ensuring equitable water access and empowering women in water governance across Juba City.