DO FEMALE-HEADED HOUSEHOLDS HAVE DIFFERENT SHELTER NEEDS THAN MEN - THE CASE OF MONROVIA, LIBERIA

Through analysis of survey data of male and female heads of households in low-income settlements in Monrovia, Liberia, the authors explore t he shelter and related needs of female-headed households. The findings show that while women represent the poorest families in the settlemen ts, they obtained shelter of similar quality to that of men. African w omen use family labor, personal savings and their support network to o btain shelter for themselves and their families. Further analysis show that women were more likely to become homeowners then men. Obtaining shelter allows women to generate income and provide shelter for themse lves and their children. Analysis of community needs show that women h eads of households have the same needs of men. They want sewer systems , toilets, water, health clinics and schools - infrastructure and serv ices they cannot provide for themselves. We hope the research presente d will assist government leaders and the donor community in designing appropriate housing policies that will include a growing segment of hu man settlements, households headed by women with dependent children an d adults.