From Childhood Memories to Climate Challenges: Celebrating the Resilience of Rural Women This Women's Month

The scent of wet earth and the rhythmic drumming of rain on a tin roof – these memories transport me back to my childhood in rural Kenya, nestled at the foot of the magnificent Mau Forest. For many of us, rain meant a reprieve from daily chores. But for my community, it was so much more than that. It was a lifeline.

Growing up, we were fortunate. Our home had a sheet metal roof, a simple advantage that allowed us to harvest rainwater. Imagine, instead of a tap, your roof becomes the collector, channeling precious water into storage. This meant, on rainy afternoons, we could avoid the arduous journey to the river.

But not everyone shared this privilege. I vividly remember my neighbors, their figures silhouetted against the relentless downpour, making the treacherous trek to the river, even on the wettest days. The already challenging paths became dangerously slippery, each step a test of endurance. Their mission? To gather enough water for their families.

For many who haven't experienced rural life, this might sound like a scene from another world. But for millions, it's a daily reality. And the burden of water collection falls disproportionately on women, especially mothers.

Climate change has exacerbated this challenge. The once-reliable afternoon rains, our source of harvested rainwater, are becoming increasingly scarce. This means longer, more difficult journeys to find water, placing an even greater strain on women, and mothers.

Think about it: carrying heavy jerrycans of water, often for miles, while also managing household chores and caring for children. It's a relentless cycle, a physical and emotional toll that's hard to fathom. But beyond the physical struggle, consider the impact on their role as role models.

Mothers are the first and most powerful role models for their children, especially their daughters. They shape their daughters' aspirations, instill values, and demonstrate what's possible. But when a mother's day is consumed by the relentless pursuit of basic survival, when her strength is solely dedicated to carrying water, her ability to fully embody that role is diminished.

This year, International Women's Day calls us to "Accelerate Action," emphasizing the urgent need for swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. As I reflect on the women I grew up with, their strength, and the challenges they face, I realize that we cannot afford to wait. We must move beyond awareness and into action, with urgency and purpose.

The systemic barriers and biases that these women face are not abstract concepts; they are daily realities that limit their potential and perpetuate inequality. Enhancing rainwater harvesting systems, providing access to clean energy, and empowering women with the knowledge and skills to manage these resources are not just solutions; they are essential for restoring their ability to be the full role models their children deserve.

Imagine a world where these mothers aren't defined by the weight on their backs, but by the potential in their hands. Imagine them empowered by energy that lightens their workload and gives them time to invest in their children’s future, to inspire them to dream bigger. Imagine them as leaders in building sustainable communities, showing their daughters what leadership looks like.

This isn't just a water story; it's a story about human potential, and the potential of future generations. It's about recognizing the dignity and strength of rural women and working together to build a more equitable future. We must accelerate our efforts to dismantle the barriers they face, for the sake of these mothers, and their children.

As professionals, innovators, and advocates, we have a responsibility to leverage our resources and influence to create meaningful change, now. We must champion policies, invest in solutions, and amplify the voices of women who are too often unheard.

Let's celebrate their resilience, and commit to creating a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, where we all accelerate action towards true gender equality, and where mothers can fully embrace their role as powerful role models.

Thank you for reading, and for being part of this important and urgent conversation.