UN: World water and sanitation crisis hurts women and girls more

United Nations, Jul 6 (Prensa Latina) Approximately, 2200 million people lack drinking water at home, which affects female members of the family to a greater extent, according to a report released today. The analysis, conducted by the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and the World Health Organization (WHO), reveals that women and girls are the most affected by the crisis associated with these issues. According to the text, they are responsible for collecting the vital liquid in seven out of every 10 homes that are deprived of the supply.

July 6, 2023
14:14

According to the study, they often make longer trips to fetch water, which means they lose education, work and leisure time, and also face the risk of physical injury and danger on the way.

Cecilia Sharp, a member of Unicef, considered that the crisis in access to water compromises the well-being of girls and perpetuates cycles of poverty.

In the majority of households lacking a water supply, seven out of 10, women and girls over the age of 15 are primarily responsible for fetching water, compared to boys. They are also more likely to feel unsafe using a toilet outside their residence, and suffer disproportionately from the impact of poor hygiene.

More than half a billion people worldwide still share sanitation facilities with other households, compromising privacy, dignity and safety.

Women and girls not only risk contracting infectious diseases, but also face additional health risks because they are vulnerable to harassment, violence and injury, said Dr. Maria Neira, director of WHO’s Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health.

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