Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) systems is critical for public health, yet women’s health remains largely overlooked in traditional engineering solutions. Women in low-resource settings, particularly in rural areas, face heightened risks of gynecological infections due to inadequate water access. This study addressed the intersection of water infrastructure and women’s health, evaluating the relationship between socioeconomic factors and women’s water hygiene practices to design solutions that minimize infection risks.
Approach:
A community-driven study was conducted in a rural village in Eastern Kenya, where surveys were used to assess women’s WaSH needs and capacities. Key actions included:
- Identifying water scarcity as a major barrier to safe women’s hygiene
- Testing low-cost greywater treatment systems to promote water reuse
- Investigating bacterial removal efficiency of different filter media, including biochar, to assess feasibility for safe water reuse
- Evaluating these bacteria for gynecological-related hygiene risks
Result:
- Biochar filtration demonstrated greater than 4-log removal of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis and greater than 3-log removal of Staphylococcus aureus, key bacteria linked to UTIs and reproductive tract infections.
- Findings suggest that biochar-based greywater treatment could be a viable solution for improving safe water access and promoting women’s health in low-resource settings.
The Importance of Engineering Water Infrastructure for Women’s Health
Inclusive Design:
Traditional WaSH infrastructure often overlooks women’s specific health needs. Incorporating women’s health considerations ensures safer, gender-responsive solutions.
Low-Cost & Scalable Solutions:
The use of biochar filtration presents an affordable, adaptable method for treating greywater, benefiting humanitarian, refugee, and rural communities.
Community-Driven Innovation:
Engaging local women in system design fosters sustainable adoption, empowering communities to manage safe water access independently.
Public Health Protection:
Addressing gynecological-related infections through engineered water reuse systems contributes to better health outcomes and gender equity in resource-limited areas.
This research bridges engineering innovation, community engagement, and gender-focused solutions, paving the way for resilient water infrastructure that enhances women’s health, dignity, and well-being in vulnerable settings.
- Promoting cost-effective PFAS detection methods to help composting facilities comply with emerging PFAS regulations.
- Supports waste diversion goals by identifying conditions that improve composting efficiency.
- Advances understanding of how PFAS contamination in compostable materials can be managed to protect public health.
