Water is the most basic human need, crucial for survival, health, and dignity, yet it is under increasing pressure due to climate change, population growth, and poor management.
According to U.S Geological Survey although 71% of the earth's surface is covered by water, only 2.5% is freshwater, and an even smaller percentage—just 1.2%—is readily accessible surface water With demand rising and resources finite, sustainable water management has become a global imperative. However, an often-overlooked aspect of water management is its disproportionate impact on women and the critical role they can play in creating equitable solutions
As per Global Water Partnership Integrated water resources management (IWRM) is a systematic process for the sustainable development, allocation and monitoring of water resource use in the context of social, economic and environmental objectives. IWRM recognizes that effective water management must integrate economic, social, and environmental dimensions. A key principle of IWRM is inclusion, ensuring that all stakeholders, including marginalized groups, have a voice in decisions.
Women, as primary users and managers of water at the household level, bring unique insights into water quality, reliability, and sustainable practices. Yet, traditional social structures often exclude them from formal decision-making processes at the community and institutional levels. This exclusion weakens the effectiveness of water management policies and limits the potential for sustainable solutions.
The case study of the Kaiti Watershed in Makueni County, Kenya, shows how important women are in managing water for their homes and communities. Despite their knowledge about water quality and local conditions, they face challenges like cultural traditions, lack of education, and financial struggles, which prevent them from fully participating in decisions about water projects. Women’s roles in local water groups are mostly limited to small administrative tasks, while men take on leadership positions. The study calls for efforts to include women in decision-making, provide them with skills, and break down cultural barriers to ensure their voices are heard in water management.
Map by: Joash Indako (CETRAD)
Cultural norms, lack of education, and limited access to leadership opportunities often prevent women from engaging in water management discussions. To address these barriers, capacity-building programs should target women, equipping them with technical knowledge and leadership skills. Policies should mandate women's representation in water management committees, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions valued.
The UNICEF 2022 report highlights that women in the Horn of Africa face significant challenges in water collection. In some regions, they travel up to 10 kilometres daily to fetch water. Additionally, the report emphasizes that women are responsible for 70-80% of water collection in rural areas. During droughts, water prices can increase by up to 400%, making access even more difficult. Women's inclusion in water management is crucial for ensuring equitable and sustainable access to water resources
To achieve sustainable water management, we must move beyond seeing women as mere water carriers and embrace them as key decision-makers. Governments, NGOs, and communities must work together to dismantle cultural and institutional barriers, empowering women to lead the charge in managing one of our most precious resources. Only by ensuring their full participation can we address water scarcity in a way that is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable for all."