Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2012

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Sociology and Rural Studies

First Advisor

Meredith Redlin

Abstract

Although Women in Development (WID) is not a new approach, it is often used as an underlying framework for many development initiatives in Nepal. Using water sanitation programs for development of Nepalese women has been a primary approach towards women's empowerment. This thesis uses Standpoint Theory and Caroline Moser's Strategic and Practical Gender Needs Approach to examine how water sanitation projects provide autonomy and thus empower women. The thesis also discusses the issue of gender inequality in context of Nepal and expounds on Moser's triple roles of women - productive, reproductive and community work. A review of previous work shows that providing increased access to credit and income to women has been a successful way to promote their position within their households. Analyzing secondary data from a water sanitation project in Nepal (N=400), this study examines how providing financial autonomy enhances women's position within their household. Findings reveal that increased financial autonomy (both income and access to credit) in most cases does not improve women's position within their household.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Women in development -- Nepal
Water resources development -- Citizen participation
Water supply -- Nepal
Power (Social sciences)
Women -- Nepal -- Economic conditions

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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Rights Statement

In Copyright