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Abstract
During the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade (1981-90), the development community recognized that greater women’s involvement was a critical element in reaching the target of sanitation for all. New programs were launched by the United Nations system and bilateral agencies that targeted women and sought to broaden their involvement in the planning and implementation of water supply and sanitation services. In most cultures, women are primarily responsible for the use and management of water resources, sanitation and health at the household level. Over the years, women have accumulated an impressive store of environmental wisdom, being the ones to find water, to educate children in hygiene matters and to understand the impact of poor sanitation on health.