A Gendered Mitigation Measures to Exclusion from On-Site Sanitation Services in George Compound in Lusaka Zambia: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Approach

Abstract

The study purpose was to explore Gender exclusion in the on-site sanitation among stakeholders in in George compound one of the Peri-Urban Areas in Lusaka. The study was anchored on the Phenomenology paradigm and viewed reality from a relativist ontology that believes in multiple realities. Scotland (2012) asserts that reality is relative to how individuals experience it at any given time and place. According to Scotland (2012), ontology is defined as a branch of philosophy concerned with the assumptions we make to believe that something makes sense or is real, or the very nature or essence of the social phenomenon we are investigating. The researcher analysed data using a reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse in-depth and key informant interviews with beneficiaries, local committees, regulatory bodies, and the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company. The sample was selected purposively and determined using data saturation, ensuring rich, contextual insights from relevant stakeholders. The study revealed that men are often away from home, which complicates household decision-making, particularly regarding financial matters related to sanitation. This irregular participation hinders effective sanitation decisions, as men are less aware of the impacts of inadequate toilet facilities. Furthermore, The Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC) must consider women's specific needs, particularly regarding access to water for toilet use, especially during menstruation. Finally, the study uncovered that The study highlighted that many of the newly constructed toilets have shallow pits, leading to rapid filling and increased burden on women, who are primarily responsible for household sanitation. The study has both practical and policy implication. Practically, the study informs the service providers for continuous engagement of all stakeholders particularly the women. This is because the sanitation system has male slant thus leaving women more vulnerable. Therefore, policy makers need to rethink sanitation approaches that deliberately targets women during design stage and thus develop robust programmes for raising awareness and education to all the water and sanitation utility companies. In conclusion, addressing sanitation challenges in peri-urban Lusaka requires a holistic, systems-oriented approach that integrates infrastructure, regulation, education, cultural socialization, and community participation to ensure equitable, sustainable, and effective onsite sanitation services. The study explored Gendered response to exclusion in the on-site sanitation among stakeholders in George compound, Lusaka, Zambia.