- Women and children fetch the majority of water for household uses in rural areas. Often this keeps them from attending school or working at a job.
- The average distance that women and children walk for water in Africa and Asia is six kilometers (3.7 miles).
- Women carry heavy loads of water (about 20 liters) on their heads in some locations in the world. This causes severe damage to the neck and spine over time.
- Women make most household water and sanitation decisions, but they are rarely invited to be involved in planning or management of water and sanitation systems.
- Water projects that involve women in planning and management are proven more likely to succeed.
- In many places in the world, women’s land rights are not recognized, and they are unable to access water for agricultural uses.
- On average, women work twice as long as men for unpaid work (housework, cleaning, cooking, washing, etc.) than men.
- Women are primary caretakers of the millions of children that fall ill each year from water-related illnesses. This reduces time spent working or on education.
- For mothers and pregnant women, an improved water supply and proper water storage is essential to protect lives and ensure good health.
- Women are under-represented in water and sanitation sector jobs with men having most jobs in this field.
Above Photo: Generations of women and girls.
