IMPLICATIONS OF WATER CRISIS ON GENDERS AND POLICY IN KUWADZANA HIGH DENISTY SUBURB IN HARARE, ZIMBABWE

The issues of water shortages in Harare’s density suburb had caused a big challenge to both women and girls who are the main users of water in most households. This paper looks at the implications of water crisis on genders and policy in Kuwadzana high-density suburb in Harare, Zimbabwe. Furthermore, the duties of girls in water supply at various levels was looked at. The study used qualitative methodology. Unstructured interviews were utilized to collect information from key sources (Harare Water and Occupants Relationship) as well as women and girls living in Kuwadzana high-density suburb. focus group discussions (FGDs) was used so as to gather rich information acquired from interviews. It rises out of the research, that water management are overwhelmed by men than women. Thus, unfortunate women keep being more powerless, and that they are the ones with the most vulnerable voice in decision-making. It is being aggravated by low representation of women in local governance and structures that make decisions in water management. It is suggested that water management bodies/institutions ought to devise systems and mechanisms that encourage women to be involved in decision-making at both local and national level respectively.

Keywords: Water shortages, water supply management, gender parity, public participation, good governance.