Impact of WASH on Women
Women collect water in nearly two-thirds of households in the developing world. In the 12 per cent of households where children collect water, girls are twice as likely as boys to be responsible for that task. By reducing the distance between water points and strategically locating them near schools, a generation of women’s untapped potential becomes unleashed, empowering them to break their family’s legacy of poverty.
Increased access to safe water means more opportunities, especially for women, to engage in economic activities. Women who receive vocational and business training are better able to meet their needs and those of their families. As women use this increased income to benefit their families and communities, a generation can begin to rise out of poverty.
Unsanitary latrines and a lack of access to gender-separated latrines also pose threats to girls at school. Studies show that girls miss school or drop out entirely during their menstrual cycle because of inadequate facilities or a fear of being sexually assulted. Furthermore, unsanitary facilities are a breeding ground for infection and can lead to contracting diarrhoea, guinea worm, pneumonia or other water-related diseases. World Vision is responding to this issue by building gender-separated latrines and ensuring gender equality in school WASH & Health Clubs – all helping to create a safe environment for girls to go to school confidently.