Introduction
As we are heading towards a progressive world, we are facing issues related to global warming. Mother Earth sustains one and all, but now the crown jewel, water, is at stake. Just like how well-being of the woman is important for the well-being of the entire family and society, water is essential for the survival of humanity. If a natural resource such as water becomes scarce, it would shake the very foundation of our lives. Water bodies are important tool to keep our Mother Earth healthy & green.
The reality of dying water bodies is known to everyone. The fact is this that the capital of India, Delhi has no source of water. The water bodies of the past are left on the mercy of the land mafias. The work needs to be done immediately, or else we would end up with a water crisis on our hands.
Our Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has announced a new initiative named ‘Mission Amrit Sarovar’. The Mission is aimed at developing and rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district of the country, as a part of celebration. His idea is to replenish the ground water, conserve the water for human life. ‘Sampurna’ would like to extend support firstly through awareness on water and secondly by ensuring community participation for reviving the water bodies.
‘Sampurna’ is venturing out to create awareness about water literacy and the issues since 2015. The event named as ‘Jal Sakhi’ reinforcing its long-standing commitment to water literacy, conservation, and sustainability.
Role of Women in Water
Women and Water: Empowering Women to Lead the Way Towards Water Sustainability
Water is a fundamental resource for all living beings, and its availability and accessibility have a profound impact on human lives. However, in times of water crisis, women often find themselves at the forefront of the struggle for water, bearing the brunt of the burden. Whether in urban, rural, or tribal areas, women are tasked with the responsibility of fetching water for their households. While privileged or wealthy women may have the luxury of assistance, the majority of women face the same arduous journey. In urban slums,women wait for water tankers, waking up early and enduring fights over limited resources. In villages, women trek long distances to fetch water, and in remote tribal areas, the challenges are even greater. It is high time to address this issue and empower women to become water literate, encouraging them to take action to conserve water in their homes and lead a broader social movement to transform behaviors and attitudes towards water.
The Water Crisis and Women's Suffering:
The world is facing an escalating water crisis, and women are among the most affected. In many parts of the world, it is primarily women who bear the responsibility of water collection, as cultural norms and gender roles often dictate these duties. The daily struggle to obtain water becomes a daunting task, impacting women's time, health, and overall wellbeing. The physical labour and time spent on water collection limit their opportunities for education, economic empowerment, and personal development. Additionally, the lack of access to clean and safe water affects women's health, as they are more susceptible to waterborne diseases due to inadequate sanitation facilities. The inequality and suffering women face due to water scarcity and lack of access are clear indicators of the urgent need for change.
The Power of Water Literacy:
Water literacy is not just about understanding the importance of water; it is about empowering women to take charge of their water resources and initiate sustainable practices. Every woman has the potential to become a catalyst for change within her own household and community. By fostering water literacy, women can learn practical ways to conserve water, such as efficient water use, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater management. They can also raise awareness about the value of water, influencing behaviors and attitudes towards its conservation. Water literacy equips women with the knowledge and skills to not only address immediate water challenges but also adapt to future uncertainties and ensure long-term water security.
The Role of Women in Transforming Social Behavior:
Women, being intimately connected to nature and their communities, have a unique perspective and inherent strength to drive change. By harnessing this power, they can lead a social movement focused on water conservation and sustainability. This movement begins at the individual level, with each woman taking responsibility for saving water in her own home. Simple actions such as fixing leaky taps, using water-efficient appliances, and practicing responsible water use can have a significant impact when multiplied across communities. Women can also organize awareness campaigns, workshops, and community engagement activities to promote water literacy and create a collective understanding of the importance of water conservation.
Learning from Cape Town's Water Crisis:
The water crisis in Cape Town, South Africa serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting water conservation. The city faced the looming threat of "Day Zero," where taps would run dry, and residents would be left without access to water. The crisis was a wake-up call for the world, demonstrating that any major city, including those in India, could face a similar fate. Women, as natural caregivers and guardians of their families' well- being, can take the lead in preventing such a scenario by driving behavioral change and advocating for sustainable water management.
The Way Forward: Empowering Women for Water Sustainability:
To address the complex issue of water scarcity and inequality, several steps can be taken to empower women and ensure water sustainability:
- Education and Awareness: Governments, NGOs, and community-based organizations should prioritize water education programs targeted specifically at women. These programs should provide practical knowledge about water conservation, sanitation, and hygiene practices, empowering women to make informed choices.
- Access to Resources: Women must have access to safe and clean water sources within a reasonable distance from their homes. Governments and organizations should invest in water infrastructure, including piped water supply systems and community-level water management initiatives.
- Gender-Inclusive Policies: Policies and programs related to water management and conservation must integrate a gender perspective, ensuring women's active participation and decision-making in water-related matters.
- Capacity Building: Training and capacity-building programs should be developed to enhance women's skills in water management, including rainwater harvesting, water purification, and water-efficient practices.
- Advocacy and Collaboration: Women should be encouraged to participate in local, national, and international forums to advocate for water sustainability and highlight the importance of gender-inclusive water policies.
Conclusion:
The issue of women and water scarcity is a pressing concern that requires urgent attention and action. By empowering women and promoting water literacy, we can transform the current narrative, where women are disproportionately burdened by water-related challenges. Every woman has the potential to be an agent of change, driving sustainable practices within her household and community. By fostering a collective movement, women can transform social behavior, creating a future where water is conserved, accessible, and equitable for all. It is time to recognize the power of women in shaping a sustainable water future and work together to ensure a world where no woman suffers due to the lack of this precious resource.
