A Gender Perspective on Water Resources and Sanitation (original) (raw)

Women's lives all around the world are closely connected to and affected by use of and access to water resources. In most societies, women have primary responsibility for management of water supply, sanitation and health at the household level. Water is necessary not only for drinking but also for food production and preparation, care of domestic animals, personal hygiene, care of the sick, cleaning, washing and waste disposal. All these activities are-in most cultures-largely undertaken by women. It is women who are often the caregivers for those who fall ill, who have to fetch and manage water for both the family and productive purposes, and who have the greatest need for private and safe sanitation facilities. Because of their dependency on safe water, women have accumulated considerable knowledge about water resources, including location, quality, and storage methods. They are often the most motivated to ensure that water supply and sanitation facilities are in good order, as they know from experience the vital contribution that both water and sanitation make to their well-being.

Sign up for access to the world's latest research.

checkGet notified about relevant papers

checkSave papers to use in your research

checkJoin the discussion with peers

checkTrack your impact