Socio - Cultural Determinants and Gender Disparities: Assessing the Intersection with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

This study evaluates the socio-cultural determinants and gender disparities. It assessed the intersection with water, sanitation and hygiene in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State from a rural and vulnerable perspective. It aimed at assessing the level of access to water, sanitation and hygiene and identifying the socio-cultural factors that hinders access to water, sanitation and hygiene in the study area. To achieve these objectives, structured questionnaires, personal interviews and focus group discussions were employed to gather information from respondents. Through the use of the structured questionnaires, personal interviews and focus group discussions data were obtained through purposive sampling technique where village heads, elders and heads of household were respondents. Also, Bill Godden (2004) sample size determination formula was used to derived a sample size of three hundred and eighty-four 384 respondents for the study. The hypothesis for the study was tested using independent t- test to understand if there were disparities in male and female level of access to water, sanitation and hygiene in the study area. From the findings it was discovered that the level of access to water, sanitation and hygiene was very low and that there was a significant disparity in male and female level of access to water, sanitation and hygiene. The main reason for the disparity was the attitude of the female towards water, sanitation and hygiene. Water fetching, bathing, and defecation in facilities not inside their houses had exposed women and girls to sexual and verbal harassment. Hence, they feel so insecure and uneasy to go out to where water, sanitation and hygiene facilities were located since they are vulnerable. The study recommended that the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities was the best way to improve and sustain Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. Also, the government should put measures in place to punish any form of harassment done to the female gender. Keywords – Gender, Socio-cultural, Water, Hygiene, Sanitation