Advancing Rural Water Sustainability through Rainwater Harvesting in Trinidad

Abstract

In this short communication rainwater harvesting and female empowerment amid water
challenges have examined. Rainwater Harvesting systems (RWHS) are widely acceptable and
well established in Trinidad both as a primary and alternate source of water supply. We also
implemented a socio-technical approach to assess how rainwater harvesting (RWH) addresses
key Sustainable Development Goals priorities related to water security and gender equity.
There are statistically significant differences between male and female respondents in terms
of their participation and leadership roles in rainwater harvesting initiatives, as well as in the
perceived socioeconomic or livelihood benefits gained from these systems. Our main areas:
the burden of water collection on women and girls and to reduce water-related
marginalization, thereby enhancing women’s capacity for productive participation in society.
The relevant information was collected from 100 respondents on three study sites. Data was
analyzed using a commercial software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The
level of significance was set at α = .05. Results indicated that women had statistically
significantly more benefits by using RWHS than men and that women water management
was greatly enhanced using RWH systems. Women as water agents achieved both improved
water access, water management and financial stability. The SDG priorities are addressed
while empowering women to take leadership roles regarding decision making and
transforming societal norms. The strategy of combining water and sanitation services with
initiatives to empower women demonstrated significant effectiveness.