Socio-Cultural Barriers and Gendered Power in Nigeria’s Wash Sector: Implications for Environmental Sustainability and Development

Abstract

This study examines the socio-cultural barriers limiting women’s participation across the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) sector value chain and analyses the implications of these barriers for environmental sustainability and development outcomes. The study interrogates how gendered norms, power relations and institutional practices shape women’s access to economic, technical and decision-making opportunities within the WaSH sector. Empirical insights were drawn from qualitative data generated through key informant interviews and observations conducted in Akwa Ibom State and documents review. Findings are analytically situated within the broader South–South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The analysis is guided by the Theory of Access, enabling an examination of how legal, technological, market-based, social identity and network-mediated mechanisms structure gendered inclusion and exclusion beyond formal rights. The findings reveal that despite the expanding commercial potential of the WaSH sector, women’s participation remains largely confined to unpaid, clerical and low-status roles, with minimal representation in technical, leadership and ownership positions. Deeply embedded socio-cultural norms, gender stereotyping, limited access to technical training, capital and professional networks, alongside weakly institutionalised gender-responsive WaSH policies, were identified as key constraints. These exclusions undermine service efficiency, innovation, environmental management and progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6. The study recommends the adoption of gender- and socially inclusive WaSH policies, targeted technical capacity-building for women, improved access to finance and deliberate cultural and institutional reforms to promote women’s meaningful participation across WaSH value chains, for inclusive environmental governance and sustainable development in South–South Nigeria and comparable contexts.