A new report by UNICEF and WHO reveals the alarming reality of gender inequalities in the global water and sanitation crisis. The study emphasizes that women and girls are disproportionately affected, with seven out of 10 households lacking water supply relying on them for water collection.
Billions Still Lack Access Globally, 2.2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water at home, while 3.4 billion have no access to safe sanitation. Additionally, approximately two billion individuals cannot wash their hands with soap and water in their own homes.
The Burden on Women and Girls The report highlights that women are primarily responsible for fetching water, often undertaking long and risky journeys. This burden hinders their education, work, and leisure opportunities. Girls, in particular, face a significantly higher likelihood of undertaking these tasks compared to boys.
Negative Consequences Cecilia Sharp, UNICEF Director of WASH and CEED, emphasizes that every step a girl takes to collect water deprives her of learning, play, and safety. The lack of safe water, toilets, and handwashing facilities perpetuates poverty and compromises the well-being and potential of girls.
Compromised Privacy and Dignity Women and girls also face challenges in using toilets outside the home, often feeling unsafe. Over half a billion people worldwide share sanitation facilities with other households, further compromising privacy, dignity, and safety, particularly for women and girls. Inadequate WASH services also increase health risks and restrict their ability to manage their periods safely and privately.
The Urgent Need for Action Dr. Maria Neira, Director of WHO’s Environment, Climate Change and Health Department, highlights the dire consequences of inadequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. She notes that 1.4 million people die annually due to these issues. Apart from WASH-related diseases, women and girls face additional risks of harassment, violence, and injury when fetching water or using public toilets.
Progress and Challenges While there has been some progress in increasing access to safely managed drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services, achieving the SDG target for universal access by 2030 requires greater efforts. Ensuring gender equality must also be a central focus in addressing these issues.
In conclusion, the report underscores the urgent need to address gender inequalities in water and sanitation. By prioritizing safe water supply, sanitation facilities, and hygiene services, we can empower women and girls, improve their well-being, and break the cycles of poverty that persist due to these inequalities.