Abstract

This dissertation examines women fieldworkers in Malawi, Africa’s WASH sector (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring their strengths, limitations, and opportunities. Using qualitative research based on the social ecological model (SEM) and African gender theory, the study investigates how these women adapted and engaged cross-functionally, amid challenging conditions and fear. Extensive interviews with the participants revealed their resilience in adopting technology, adjusting communication strategies, and delivering services while facing gender bias, and access constraints. Despite these barriers, women WASH fieldworkers achieved notable success in community engagement, gaining the trust and respect of women in rural communities due to shared lived experiences. The pandemic accelerated the use of technology within the WASH sector. Smartphones, WhatsApp, and digital platforms enabled remote work, virtual meetings, and electronic information distribution. In low-resource communities lacking technology access, women utilized low-tech methods such as public address systems and flyers, maintaining critical outreach through the pandemic. The findings highlight the emotional impacts on women fieldworkers, including additional stress from gender bias and household expectations. Despite these stressors, the women proved to be highly effective during the pandemic, demonstrating innovation, creativity, and the ability to earn trust within the communities they serve.

This study expands on the limited literature on African women WASH fieldworkers during COVID-19, contributing to scholarship on gender bias, women’s empowerment, and the impact of women leaders when given opportunities to lead programming and decision-making. WASH remains a critical need in under-resourced countries, and the sector has a unique opportunity to drive progressive change by investing in women fieldworkers. Advancing women leaders within WASH will improve policy development and program implementation while increasing readiness for future public health crises.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Leadership in women—Malawi; COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-2023—Social aspects—Malawi; Sanitation—Social aspects—Malawi; Water-supply—Social aspects—Malawi

Date of Award

2026

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Education

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Ebony Cain

Download

Share

COinS