UDH projects usually take place in socially complex and densely populated areas. Gender is only one of many aspects that need to be taken into account, but it is an extremely important one. Conscious efforts to address their views lead to better project design and performance. Women are the primary collectors, transporters, users, and managers of domestic water and promoters of home and community-based sanitation activities.
Women also play a primary role in waste disposal and environmental management.
As women bear a primary responsibility in household chores, new or improved housing designs, including lighting and ventilation, should reflect their needs. Furthermore, in some areas, evidence shows that targeting women as individual customers could better increase the number of connections to water and sewage services than a nontargeted approach. Yet, in many societies women s views are not systematically represented in decision-making bodies. UDH projects provide major opportunities to close this gap. Focus on gender has multiplier effects.