Enhancing WASH in Northern Ghana: Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Analysis

In northern Ghana, Global Communities leads a consortium of 10 organizations, which implement the Enhancing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (En-WASH) Activity (2021 – 2026), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project aims to increase the adoption of sustainable and equitable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services by households, communities, health care facilities and schools. En-WASH uses a behavior integration approach and behavior-led theory of change to address factors that influence access to and use of WASH services and products. The project focuses on poor, marginalized and vulnerable groups, while integrating gender considerations under the guidance of a dedicated Gender and Youth Advisor.   

In 2022-23, the En-WASH team conducted a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Analysis to gain insights into WASH-related inequalities, and to better understand gender norms and power dynamics which influence the accessibility, responsiveness and sustainability of WASH services in northern Ghana. Based on the findings, the team developed an Action Plan to (1) Guide the program in taking an inclusive and gender-responsive approach; (2) Improve equitable access to WASH services and commodities; and (3) Facilitate meaningful participation of women, men, youth, people with disabilities (PWD) and other marginalized groups in WASH governance, the private sector and in all consultations and decision-making that support the project objectives.