Sunday, Mar 22, 2026 13:45 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Mar 22, 2026 08:24 [IST]
We all know life cannot sustain without water.
The quantity of water although remains constant on the planet earth but is
distribution is uneven and per capita availability is declining year to year
due to various obvious reasons. To overcome the challenge of equitable
distribution of adequate quantity quality water lot of efforts have been made
by various individuals and institutions. The 195 members UN have proposed 17
sustainable development goals with a objective to achieve the target by 2030.
Almost all of the 17 SDGs are related to water in one way or other. Thus, to remind
and expedite the process the UN has designated 22nd March as World
Water Day. The World Water Day 2026 is being observed on the theme Water and
Gender.
The water is an issue that affects everyone.
The scarcity of the water resources has impact on the safe drinking water and
sanitation. Although it affects everyone but women suffer the most. Globally it
is a accepted fact thatsay of women in decision making in water resources can
help in making the resources more sustainable, effective and inclusive. Thus,
the theme for the year 2026 become significant.
The worldwide statistics shows a grim picture
about water and its impact of women. It has been reported that around 27% of
the women don’t have access to good quality water. Of this around 9.5% women lives
under critical scarcity conditions. Other facts that is concerning is that women
and girls spend 3 to 4 times more time on water as compared to the boys. Due to
lack of the safe water sources more than 1000 children below the age of 5 dies
every day in and around the world. It has also been reported that
representation of women in decision making regarding water is minimal.
This lack of access to safe water resources
have impact on the health aspects for women who generally fetch water. These
problems become acute particularly in hilly terrain. In such terrain there is
all chances of getting physically hurt as well as exposure to reptiles and
other things
It is general conception that such issues are
more prevalent in water scarce region but it has been observed that the issue
is of concern in high rainfall areas also. The NE region of India which is
known for high rainfall and high level of gender equality but the issue
persists. The terrain conditions and inaccessibility are a major challenge for
water availability but the major burnt is faced by the women. Although it
receives heavy rainfall with average more than 4000 mm but it is restricted
mostly from April to September. Due to the hilly terrain the water retention is
minimal and after the rain recedes, the soil starts getting dried. It results
in drying of springs and streams. During such period water has to be fetched
from far off places which is mostly done by women. Engagement of women in water
collection limits their involvements in studies as well as family welfare
Although Government have launched several
ambitious programs like Jal Jeevan Mission and others still there are areas
where water availability is not assured due to various reason including decline
of water at the sources, disruption of pipe network due to landslides and very
thin distribution of population particularly in rural areas.
Although problems exists but solutions needs be
devised. Participation of women in decision making and planning may ensure
equitable distribution and its reach to vulnerable areas. As women is part of
each and every family lets us work together to create awareness about the
resources, its impact on the important family members and plan and execute
methodologies for safe access to water for sustainable future.
(Email: kusrebharat@gmail.com)
