Environment, Sustainability & Energy

Nearly one-third of the world’s population lacks access to clean water. In many parts of the world, women bear primary responsibility for finding and collecting water to meet basic needs such as cooking, cleaning and hygiene. In some countries, water collection can take up to 60 percent of women’s working time. Water collection diverts time away from more productive economic activities and pursuits. Women’s care burden is also increased by lack of access to clean water and the prevalence of water-borne disease among children. Despite the clear connection between women and water, it is mostly men who make decisions about water resource management and development. Including a gender dimension increases the effectiveness and sustainability of water management planning and programming.