Introduction
Water is a fundamental resource for life and development, yet its access and control are deeply gendered. Women and men interact with water differently due to their distinct social roles, responsibilities, and status. Gender inequities in the water sector reflect broader societal inequalities, affecting women’s health, time, safety, and economic opportunities. This essay explores the gender-based disparities in water access, use, and decision-making, and explains why water must be viewed as a key livelihood issue, especially for women.
Gender Inequities in the Water Sector
1. Unequal Access
In many parts of the world, especially in rural and low-income areas, women and girls are primarily responsible for collecting water for household use. This task can take several hours daily, affecting their education, rest, and income-generating activities.
Example: In sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, women often walk several kilometers each day to fetch water, while men control irrigation for agriculture.
2. Lack of Decision-Making Power
Even though women are the main users of domestic water, they are largely excluded from water governance institutions like local water user associations or irrigation committees. Policies often overlook women’s practical needs and experiences.
3. Sanitation and Health
Poor water quality and inadequate sanitation infrastructure disproportionately affect women. Lack of clean water and toilets leads to health risks, especially during menstruation and childbirth. Girls often miss school due to inadequate WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities.
4. Gender-Based Violence
Women and girls are vulnerable to harassment and violence when collecting water from remote or unsafe locations. This risk further marginalizes them and restricts their mobility.
Water as a Livelihood Issue
Water is not just a household necessity; it is a key resource for livelihoods—especially in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and small-scale industries. Women’s dependence on water for income generation is high, yet their control over water-related resources remains minimal.
1. Agriculture and Irrigation
Women farmers often have smaller plots and less access to irrigation than men. This limits their productivity and income. Lack of irrigation services forces women to rely on rainfed farming, which is risky and less profitable.
Example: In India, women grow vegetables and food crops that need irrigation, but they rarely own wells or have access to irrigation channels.
2. Animal Husbandry
Livestock farming requires regular access to water for feeding and cleaning animals. Women, who are often the primary caregivers of livestock, suffer when water is scarce or distant.
3. Fisheries
Inland and coastal fishing activities depend heavily on clean and accessible water bodies. Women involved in fish processing and selling are affected by water pollution and depletion of aquatic resources.
4. Small Enterprises
Women-run businesses like food processing, handicrafts, and tailoring require water for cleaning and production. Inadequate water supply affects their ability to earn.
Policy Gaps and Challenges
- Water policies are often gender-neutral but not gender-responsive.
- Data on women’s water use for livelihoods is lacking.
- Customary laws and male dominance exclude women from water rights.
Strategies for Gender Equity in Water Sector
- Ensure women’s participation in water governance and decision-making.
- Invest in gender-sensitive infrastructure—safe water points, toilets, and irrigation systems.
- Collect gender-disaggregated data to design effective programs.
- Train women in water conservation, management, and technical skills.
Conclusion
Gender inequities in the water sector are a serious barrier to women’s well-being and economic participation. Water must be recognized not only as a basic need but also as a critical livelihood resource. Empowering women with equitable access, ownership, and control over water resources is essential for gender equality, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. Policies and practices must be redesigned to ensure that women’s voices are heard and their needs addressed in all aspects of water management.