El rol de las mujeres rurales en la gestión del agua potable ante la escasez del recurso en la Comunidad de San Pedro, Parroquia Llacao, Cantón Cuenca en el año 2025

Abstract

This research analyzed the role of rural women in drinking water management in the face of water scarcity in the San Pedro community, Llacao parish, Cuenca canton, during the year 2025. The study aimed to highlight women's participation in the access, use, and daily management of water, as well as to identify the social, economic, cultural, and political factors that influence their participation in community water management and the consequences of scarcity on their daily lives. A qualitative approach with a descriptive design was adopted, allowing for an understanding of women's experiences, perceptions, and practices regarding water issues. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with women from the community, selected through purposive sampling, and a review of local and institutional documents related to water management. Hermeneutic analysis using Atlas.ti software facilitated the coding and contextualization of the data, connecting it to the theoretical framework. The results showed that women play a central role in the supply, storage, and use of water for domestic consumption and family care; however, their participation in formal decision-making spaces, such as the Water Board, is limited. The scarcity and intermittency of the service increase their reproductive and community workload, affecting their health, available time, and social participation. It is concluded that it is necessary to strengthen the participation and leadership of rural women, incorporating a gender perspective into community water management to advance toward greater equity and sustainability.