‘Othering’ the Mothers’ Needs: Pregnant and New Mothers’Access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Bangladesh

Abstract

Since the turn of the 21st century, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) have been a growing priority in the international development paradigm. This study intends to investigate expecting and new mothers’ experiences in accessing WASH and the long-term effects on their socioeconomic and psychosocial development. It also aims to comprehend the gendered dimension of WASH. The Inequality Approach by Amartya Sen was used as the theoretical framework to assess the study’s findings. Purposive sampling was used to choose respondents, and in-depth interviews were done to collect data. According to the findings, expecting and new mothers who are also academics or professionals suffer a slew of issues owing to poor WASH and which impacts their education, job, and mobility. However, they used to cope with the vulnerabilities in order to continue with their regular activities. Similarly, WASH is more than simply a structural issue; it has several overlapping variables that impede pregnant and new mothers’ development. As a result, policy execution and sound structural design, along with a gender perspective, are essential to improve WASH facilities for pregnant and new mothers in all social institutions.