Access to clean water is a fundamental human right that is essential for survival and development.
However, in many parts of the world, women and girls are disproportionately affected by the lack of
access to clean water. Women play a crucial role in managing household water and sanitation, and their
rights to clean water are often ignored or violated. Here on International Women’s Day we will explore
the importance of access to clean water for women’s rights.
Health and Hygiene:
Access to clean water is crucial for maintaining good health and hygiene. Women and girls are
particularly vulnerable to waterborne diseases due to their roles in managing household water and
sanitation. They are often responsible for collecting and storing water, which can become contaminated
and lead to diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever. Lack of access to clean water also
leads to poor hygiene practices, such as not washing hands, which further increases the risk of disease
transmission. By providing access to clean water, women and girls can improve their health and hygiene,
leading to improved well-being and a reduction in the burden of disease.
Education:
Access to clean water can also have a significant impact on girls’ education. In many parts of the world,
girls are responsible for collecting water, which can take several hours a day. This means that they have
less time to attend school if at all, resulting in lower educational attainment. Furthermore, schools
without access to clean water and sanitation facilities often have high absenteeism rates due to illness.
By providing access to clean water in schools, girls can attend school regularly, improving their
educational outcomes and breaking the cycle of poverty.
Economic Empowerment:
Access to clean water is essential for economic empowerment. As mentioned earlier, Women are often
responsible for managing household water and sanitation with the added burden of also often being
responsible for income-generating activities such as farming and small businesses. Without access to
clean water, women may have to spend several hours a day collecting water, which can take away from
time spent on income-generating activities. Furthermore, lack of access to clean water can result in
decreased productivity due to illness. By providing access to clean water, women can improve their
economic opportunities, leading to increased income and improved living standards.
Gender Equality:
Access to clean water is essential for achieving gender equality. Since women and girls are often the
ones who suffer the most from the lack of access to clean water, resulting in their rights to health,
education, and economic opportunities being compromised. By providing access to clean water, women
can participate more fully in society, leading to a more equitable distribution of resources and
opportunities. Access to clean water can also lead to a reduction in gender-based violence, as women
and girls will no longer have to travel long distances to collect water, putting them at risk of violence and
harassment.
Access to clean water is essential for women’s rights. It is critical for maintaining good health and
hygiene, improving educational outcomes, promoting economic empowerment, and achieving gender
equality. Governments and international organizations must work together to ensure that all women
Women And Water
