An ethnographic study was conducted in a village of Bangladesh. The objective was to examine the local concepts and behavior related to water, sanitation and personal hygiene. Total of 21 households were interviewed and observed. Male focus group discussions were done
Village people had their own concepts regarding safe water and sanitation. There was a distinct gender pattern in water source access, use, carrying and beliefs related to hygiene. Males were perceived as more conscious of cleanliness than females. Cost, frequent fill-up, smell, sight of worms and stool, problems in rainy season and land requirements were the main reasons for not using the pit and slab latrines. Females were always in worries about privacy that lead them to train their bowel to go in a particular time ( dawn or dusk).
The water and sanitation facilities that were available in the community were not always accessible to women. Lack of money, placement /distance of the facilities, and low status of the women in the society contributed to women not using the facilities that were theoretically available.
There is an urgent need to provide educational and behavioral change programs for men, women and children. To facilitate adequate water and safe sanitation in the community new methods should be explored and promoted. The gender issues also need to be addressed.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Community Involvement, Cultural Competency
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: WATSAN Project, CARE-Bangladesh
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.