Gender Disparity in Water Policy Decision-Making and Status of Water Supply in Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria

The importance of involving both women and men in the management of water and other related issues has been recognized globally. This paper was aimed to evaluate gender disparity among decision makers in water issues and shortage of water supply in Sokoto. The methodology used was said to rely on internet , phone calls, interviews with Sokoto Ministry of Water Resources staff and as well as the use of questionnaire. From the results obtained it was discovered that gender disparity exist and lack of women education has contributed a lot to this disparity. In which 40% of the female respondents has no any formal education while the same 40% has only attended primary school. But for the male respondents there was 0% in both those with no formal education and primary school. In fact 15.3% of the male respondents have obtained a postgraduate studies. On the shortage of water supply and its quality challenges in Sokoto, was found to be a problem. The responses from the respondents indicated that 92 % of the female agreed its government responsibility to supply water, while 94.7% of the male respondents also concur. But only 42.7% of the female respondents agreed their water was adequate in supply, while 44.7% male respondents also agreed it’s adequate. On the participation of the respondents on water policies, 95.3% of the females have never participated in any water policy decision making, while 49.3% males have participated in water policies. In conclusion there is a huge gap in gender disparity among water policy decision makers and water supply is not in adequate supply. Therefore educating girls was found to be lacked behind, in which very few proceed after primary or secondary school level. And they need to be educated so that they can be found in every sector of government especially water, there by involving them in various decision-making to contribute their coater.