This article delves into the intricate web connecting gender, water security, and climate change. It explores how climate-driven water scarcity disproportionately burdens women and girls with water collection, hindering their education, economic opportunities, health, and overall well-being. Furthermore, it sheds light on the often-overlooked burden of women's water management as a form of unpaid care work. We leverage current data and research to underscore the urgent need for a gender-focused approach to water security, fostering women's empowerment and propelling us towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Access to clean water, a fundamental human right enshrined in international law, remains an elusive dream for billions. This stark reality stems from a confluence of factors: geographic location, entrenched socio-economic disparities, and a rapidly changing climate. Climate change disrupts weather patterns, leading to devastating droughts in some regions while unleashing torrential floods in others. This water crisis, encompassing scarcity, floods, and unpredictable water availability, disproportionately impacts women and girls.
Gendered Water Burden and Climate Change:
The responsibility for water collection in households often falls on women and girls, particularly in areas grappling with climate change-induced water scarcity. A 2023 report by Oxfam reveals that climate shocks like droughts can significantly increase women's water collection time by up to 40%, further constraining their opportunities (Oxfam, 2023). This unpaid care work, invisible in economic statistics, consumes a substantial portion of their time and energy. Imagine the lost educational or economic opportunities due to hours spent traversing long distances with heavy water containers.
Beyond the Well: Cascading Impacts
The ramifications of this gendered water burden extend far beyond water collection itself.
- Educational Impacts: Girls' education suffers immensely when burdened with water collection, especially during droughts. A 2021 UNESCO study conducted in East Africa revealed a concerning 25% drop in girls' school attendance during droughts due to increased water collection responsibilities (UNESCO, 2021). This not only hinders their academic achievement but also perpetuates the cycle of poverty and inequality.
- Economic Implications: The time women dedicate to collecting water limits their capacity to participate in the formal labor market. This lost income not only impacts their own well-being but also constrains their ability to contribute to household finances and national economies. The World Bank estimates that closing the gender gap in labor force participation could lead to a staggering $28 trillion increase in global GDP by 2025 (World Bank, 2023).
- Health and Safety Risks: Water insecurity, exacerbated by climate change, poses severe health risks to women and girls. Long journeys to collect water expose them to violence, accidents, and harassment. Additionally, a lack of adequate sanitation facilities due to water scarcity increases the risk of waterborne diseases, creating a vicious cycle of health problems.
A Detailed Look at the Intersections: A Multifaceted Challenge with Profound Consequences
The intersection of gender, water security, and climate change presents a multifaceted challenge with profound human rights and development consequences. These issues are intricately linked, creating a ripple effect that disproportionately impacts women and girls.
- Unequal Water Burden: Social norms often assign water collection to women and girls, even in regions facing water scarcity due to climate change. A 2020 report by WaterAid found that women and girls disproportionately bear the burden of water collection in many regions, including sub-Saharan Africa. A Similar study by Oxfam in 2023, 'The Gender Gap and Climate Change: A Closer Look' also mentioned how climate shocks like droughts significantly increase women's water collection time. This time burden limits their opportunities for education, income generation, and participation in social and political spheres.
- Health and Safety Risks: Climate change-induced water scarcity forces women and girls to travel longer distances to collect water, exposing them to violence, accidents, and harassment (UN Women, 2023). Additionally, a lack of water for sanitation increases the risk of waterborne diseases, creating a vicious cycle of health problems that particularly affects women and children.
- Economic Impacts: The time spent collecting water restricts women's ability to participate in the formal workforce, limiting their economic opportunities and jeopardizing household income. The World Bank estimates that closing the gender gap in labor force participation could increase global GDP by $28 trillion by 2025 (World Bank, 2023).
- Food Security: Women play a critical role in agricultural production, particularly in developing countries. Water scarcity due to climate change disrupts agricultural activities, impacting food security and nutrition, especially for women and children who are often the most vulnerable to malnutrition (FAO, 2023).
These intersecting challenges can hinder progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Therefore, a gender-responsive approach integrating the needs and experiences of women into water security and climate change strategies is crucial for building resilience and achieving sustainable development for all.
A Call to Action: Fostering Change through Collective Action (with Examples)
Addressing the water crisis requires a multifaceted approach that recognizes the unique vulnerabilities faced by women and girls, particularly in the context of climate change. Here are some key recommendations for stakeholders at various levels, along with use case examples demonstrating successful implementation:
- Invest in Water Infrastructure: Prioritize water infrastructure projects that promote sustainable water management practices. This includes rainwater harvesting systems, water-efficient technologies, and improved irrigation systems. Use Case Example: The Government of Kenya, with support from the World Bank, implemented the Water Sector Trust Fund which finances community-led water projects. One such project in Kitui County involved building rainwater harvesting tanks in schools, significantly reducing the time girls spent collecting water and allowing them to focus on their education (World Bank, 2023)
- Education and Empowerment: Allocate resources towards promoting girls' education in climate-vulnerable regions. This not only empowers girls but also equips them with the knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges of climate change. Use Case Example: The Educate Girls campaign by UNICEF in Niger provides scholarships and life skills training to girls in rural areas. This program empowers girls to stay in school, and many graduates return to their communities to advocate for improved water management practices (UNICEF, 2023).
- Policy and Legislation: Enact policies that promote gender equality in water management and decision-making processes. This includes ensuring women's participation in water committees and resource allocation. Use Case Example: In India, the Maharashtra Water Rights Act of 2006 guarantees 33% reservation for women in village-level water committees. This policy change has led to increased participation of women in water management decisions, resulting in more equitable water distribution and improved sanitation facilities (IWMI, 2023).
International Organizations:
- Gender-Inclusive Strategies: Integrate gender equality into climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. This necessitates a gender analysis to understand the differential impacts of climate change on men and women. Use Case Example: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) promotes gender-transformative approaches in climate-smart agriculture projects. This includes training women farmers on drought-resistant crops and water-saving irrigation techniques, empowering them to adapt to climate change and ensure food security for their families (FAO, 2023).
- Financial and Technical Assistance: Provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries for water management projects that empower women. This could involve supporting initiatives that train women in water resource management, water-saving technologies, and entrepreneurship in the water sector. Use Case Example: The World Bank's Women in Water and Sanitation Program provides financial and technical support to governments and NGOs for projects that improve women's access to water and sanitation. In Rwanda, the program funded training for women entrepreneurs in rainwater harvesting tank construction, creating jobs and promoting sustainable water management practices (World Bank, 2022).
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs):
- Raising Awareness: Spearhead awareness campaigns to highlight the gendered impacts of climate change and water insecurity. This can be achieved through community outreach programs, public events, and social media advocacy. Use Case Example: WaterAid launched the "Carry the Can" campaign which used social media and public events to raise awareness about the burden of water collection on women and girls globally. The campaign garnered significant public support and pressured governments to invest in water infrastructure projects in developing countries (WaterAid, 2023).
- Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies that promote women's participation in water management and decision-making processes. This could involve lobbying governments and collaborating with international organizations to push for gender-inclusive water policies. Use Case Example: The Global Gender and Water Alliance is a network of CSOs working to advocate for gender-equitable water policies. The Alliance has successfully lobbied governments in several countries to adopt national water strategies that prioritize the needs of women and girls (Global Gender and Water Alliance, 2023).
- Community-Based Solutions: Support and promote community-based solutions that address water scarcity and empower women. This might involve supporting women-led water user groups, microfinance initiatives for women entrepreneurs in the water sector, and promoting traditional water management knowledge held by women. Use Case Example: In Nepal, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation partnered with local NGOs to establish women-led water user groups. These groups manage community water sources, collect fees for maintenance, and train women on water conservation techniques. This initiative has improved water access and sanitation in rural communities while empowering women economically (SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, 2023).
- Promote Gender-Equitable Practices: Promote gender-equitable water management practices at the community level. This could involve encouraging men to share the responsibility of water collection and decision-making around water resources. Use Case Example: The MenEngage Alliance works with communities to promote positive masculinities and challenge traditional gender roles. In rural Tanzania, the Alliance facilitated dialogue sessions between men and women about water management. This led to a shift in social norms, with men becoming more involved in water collection and household chores, freeing up women's time for other activities (MenEngage Alliance, 2023).
- Supporting Initiatives: Actively support initiatives that reduce the burden of water collection on women and girls. This might involve participating in community well-building projects, rainwater-harvesting initiatives, and promoting water-saving practices within households. Use Case Example: In India, the Jal Jeevan Mission (National Rural Drinking Water Mission) aims to provide piped water supply to every rural household. This government initiative, coupled with community participation in well-digging and maintenance projects, has significantly reduced the time and effort women spend collecting water (Government of India, 2023).
A Hypothetical Case Study on Role of Innovation in Empowering Women with Water Management through Solar Powered Desalination Project in Coastal Communities
Many regions facing water scarcity are also grappling with gender inequality in water management. With this in mind, I invite you on a journey to imagine a community in a developing country, along the coastal region, where women traditionally bear the burden of water collection due to saltwater intrusion. This case study is an example of how small-scale desalination project powered by renewable energy (solar panels) could empower women and contribute to water security:
- Community Ownership and Management: Women are trained in operating and maintaining the desalination units, fostering a sense of ownership and building their technical skills. Women participation in decision making and their involvement in the supply chain processes such as contributing to local material sourcing would also be an empowerment act.
- Reduced Water Collection Burden: The readily available desalinated water reduces the time and distance women spend collecting water, freeing up time for education, income generation, and other activities.
- Improved Health and Sanitation: Access to clean water promotes better health outcomes for women and children, particularly by reducing waterborne diseases.
- Economic Opportunities: Women trained in desalination operations and maintenance can potentially establish small businesses providing water services or repairs, promoting economic empowerment.
Challenges and Considerations:
- Initial Investment: Securing funding for the initial desalination units and training programs might require collaboration with NGOs or international organizations.
- High-energy demands: Desalination plants, particularly large-scale ones, can have high-energy demands. A switch to alternative sources of energy using renewable energy technology would be a more sustainable approach.
- Capacity Building: Providing ongoing technical support and maintenance training for women is crucial for the project's sustainability.
This case study showcases how innovative water technologies, coupled with a gender-responsive approach, could address water scarcity while empowering women. It aligns more effectively with the article's focus on the intersection of gender, water security, and climate change.
Examples of Organizations doing amazing work on Integrating Gender Equality in Climate Resilient WASH:
WaterAid's focus on gender equality in water projects: WaterAid prioritizes gender equality in all their water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects. They ensure women's participation in decision-making processes and often train women on water management techniques. While not directly desalination related, this aligns with the empowerment aspect of the case study. (https://www.wateraid.org/us/what-we-do-gender-equality); SunDesal, a Dutch non-profit develops and implements small-scale, solar-powered desalination systems for remote communities. While their current projects are primarily focused on humanitarian aid in disaster zones, their approach aligns with the concept of the case study. (https://www.sundials.org/); The Ocean Foundation supports various ocean-related projects, including funding for research and development of small-scale desalination technologies. While they don't directly implement projects, their work contributes to advancements in the field. (https://oceanfdn.org/); Desalination for Development Network promotes sustainable desalination solutions. They might have information on innovative desalination projects, particularly those focusing on developing countries. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X21009747); Women in Water Alliance: This alliance focuses on promoting gender equality in the water sector. (https://www.waterwomensalliance.org/)
The water crisis disproportionately burdens women and girls, hindering their education, health, and overall well-being. To achieve sustainable water security for all, we must address these gender inequalities. A multifaceted approach is key. Firstly, we need water infrastructure projects that consider the needs of women and girls. This means building closer water sources and sanitation facilities, reducing the time they spend collecting water; Secondly, empowering women is crucial. By providing education and training in water management, resource conservation, and water-related jobs, we equip them to be leaders in water security; Thirdly, fostering collaboration across all levels – governments, international organizations, civil society, and communities – is essential. This collaboration must actively involve women in water management decisions.
Breaking down gender barriers and empowering women as water leaders isn't just the right thing to do; it's essential for a climate-resilient future. When women effectively manage water resources, they significantly contribute to household well-being, community resilience, and national economic development. Let's strive for a world where water security is a reality for all, achieved through fair and sustainable solutions. This future empowers women and girls, ensuring everyone has access to clean water, a fundamental human right for a healthy and dignified life.
?FAO (2023). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023 (fao.org)
About the Author: Ken is an International Development Consultant with www.spidconsulting.org ?KOO, 2024
Very compelling. Intersectional theory allows us to understand the roles played by women depending on the power relationship in a household. Mother-in-law, daughter in law, economic empowerment etc