Women and Water
On this auspicious occasion of 8 March, which is observed as International Day for Women every year, it is our bounden duty to care about water rights of women and ensure their increased involvement in water security. Undoubtedly, shifting political, cultural and ethical challenges have been tackled and women have achieved great advances in securing their human rights and dignity; nevertheless, they have to bear the brunt of managing the water for the family, especially in rural areas. There is a need for increased women’s participation and involvement in water-related development efforts.
Women can be powerful agents of change: with the same access to productive resources as men, including water, women could increase yield on their farms by 20-30% and help lift 150 million people out of hunger. There is a lot women can contribute to solve water problems but we still have a lot to do to ensure their involvement. Understanding gender roles, relations, and inequalities can help explain the choices people make and their different options. Involving both women and men in integrated water resources initiatives can increase project effectiveness and efficiency.
