Empowerment and WASH-related health outcomes

There are well known links between women’s empowerment and a range of health outcomes, including nutrition, reproductive health, and maternal health. At the same time, little is known of the links between women’s empowerment and health outcomes related to WASH, including diarrheal diseases, neglected tropical diseases such as schistosomiasis, water-carrying injuries, gender-based violence, and other indicators of wellbeing. We are investigating these linkages focusing on women’s and children’s health, such as disease prevalence, health-seeking behaviour and access to treatment. We are collaborating with COHESU, a NGO that works with communities in Kisumu district, Kenya, to prioritize health needs. This work will looks at links between empowerment and neglected tropical diseases prevalent in the region, such as schistosomiasis.