Inequality in access to clean water and sanitation continues to burden the lives of millions of people in Africa, despite the existence of advanced legislation and a precise diagnosis.
"In Africa, women travel this distance every day to obtain clean water." Doing so not only reduces the amount of work and time dedicated to an essential life task, accessing water, but it also provides opportunities for other activities, such as leisure, education and training, caregiving, or income-generating activities, as well as freeing up time for rest. When it comes to accessing clean water, a human right since its approval by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010, problems and inequalities intertwine or, perhaps, accumulate.
On one hand, there is the inherent difficulty of access, which affects a significant portion of the global population. On the other hand, there is the issue of who takes responsibility for ensuring that households have access to water. In sub-Saharan Africa, 71% of the burden of water collection for households falls on women and girls. And thirdly, there is the economic aspect, as barriers to access are often more prevalent in impoverished and rural areas.
It is therefore crucial to intertwine the fight against gender inequality with improvements in access to and sanitation of clean water, as well as addressing economic inequities. The analysis would be incomplete without mentioning the health problems women face from carrying water, primarily muscular or skeletal-related ailments, and the violence they are exposed to: assaults on their long journeys are not an anecdote. They are also at a higher risk of being attacked due to a lack of nearby sanitation facilities and suffer the consequences of cultural taboos surrounding issues such as menstruation and hygiene. If women are not at the center of the changes promoted, there is a risk of perpetuating an unfair distribution of roles.
Legislative Changes
As women and girls are disproportionately affected by water-related issues, they are often in a better position to identify solutions and play key roles that contribute to the success of on-the-ground access projects. Their role is increasingly recognized. The global alternative to water and sanitation challenges lies in including women, shedding light on the invisibility of their indispensable task.
The Importance of Sanitation
Inequalities in access in urban and rural areas are significant. The distance to fetch water in rural areas of some African countries can be up to 25 kilometers. An image that stays with me is that of women and children carrying yellow plastic jerrycans (initially used for carrying gasoline). Hand pumps for water in rural areas are an acceptable interim solution, but they are scarce given the immense water needs in those areas and often remain broken for long periods of time.
Another inequality faced by women in many African territories is the lack of adequate sanitation during menstruation. In water-scarce areas or marginalized neighborhoods where water is extremely costly, reusable sanitary towels are not a realistic solution as they cannot be washed. Without proper menstrual hygiene management, girls are often forced to miss five days of school each month and, most importantly, are at risk of contracting diseases.
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