How water insecurity affects women

Syllabus: GS-I, Subject: Society and Social Justice, Topic: Issues of women, Issue: Effect of water insecurity on women

Data point:

• Over 41% of rural households in India lack access to safely managed drinking water within their homes. (NSSO 78^th Round)

Water insecurity-effects of on women:

• Water collection, a gendered activity, disproportionately burdens women and girls.
• Girls’ education suffers due to water-related burdens.
• Gender-based violence during water collection, affecting mental health.
• Inadequate water access and open defecation increase health risks like diarrhea.
• Women face risks of non-partner sexual violence due to these conditions.

Jal Jeevan Mission(JJM)-addressing these concerns:

• Focuses on providing household tap connections for drinking water access.
• This reduces women’s drudgery and empowers them for gainful activities.
• Increased participation of women in community engagement including Pani Samitis.
• JJM guidelines recommend training women for water quality monitoring.

Conclusion:

• Mainstream gender considerations in water access policy.

Source: The Hindu