Water scarcity impacts women and girls to a disproportionate degree. Here's why and the ways you can help reduce their plight.
WORLD WATER DAY — a day to help change the state of the world’s water supply for the better — is around the corner.
Water is a universal need. But unfortunately, the access to safe and clean water is something not available to all. Today, as the world faces one of its worst water crisis in its history, women and girls are disproportionally impacted.
Six kilometers, approximately 3.7 miles — that is the average distance women and girls in water scarce areas have to walk to their nearest water source, sometimes taking these routes multiple times a day.
Collectively, women and young girls spend 200+ million hours a day collecting water.
Everyday, women living in areas without running water, shoulder these burdens. Some are new mothers, carrying a baby on their back, walking over treacherous terrains. Others are too old to physically balance 40-pound cans of water on their heads. Many risk walking through conflict zones, areas whose infrastructure has been decimated due to military action and civil unrest.
Because of the burdens they carry in collecting safe drinking water, women and children face many challenges including an inability to participate in educational opportunities and gender-based violence, further perpetuating the world’s gender inequality gap. Some have shared their stories here.
Women and children, especially women of color, are at higher risk of health-related complications, due to lack of clean water. Today, illnesses related to lack of water and sanitation are among the top five leading causes of death for women.
This WORLD WATER DAY, help women, help HUMANITY. Donate today.
