Access to clean water remains a critical challenge across many regions of Africa, even in 2024. The burden of fetching water continues to fall disproportionately on women and girls, consuming hours of their day and limiting their opportunities for education, economic activities, and self-empowerment. This daily struggle not only drains their time and energy but also represents a significant barrier to personal and community development, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
In countless African communities, women and girls spend up to six hours each day fetching water from distant and often unsafe sources in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. (Source: UNICEF, 2016). It is estimated that women and girls bear the primary responsibility for collecting water in 80% of households without access to water on their premises. Altogether, millions of women and girls worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, spend 200 million hours every day collecting water—a time investment that could otherwise be used for education, economic activities, or community involvement (Source: UNICEF & WHO, 2019)
This challenging task requires carrying heavy containers over long distances, leading to severe physical strain and chronic health issues. Additionally, the lack of nearby water sources perpetuates poverty cycles, as families in the bottom income quintiles often spend more than 20% of their income on water. The journey to fetch water also exposes women and girls to significant safety risks, including the threat of violence, which further complicates their daily lives.
The Real Impact of Accessible Water – Time Saved for Education and Economic Growth
Providing clean and easily accessible water sources can transform lives. When water is available close to home, women and girls can reclaim significant time daily—time that can be redirected towards education, income-generating activities, and community involvement. This change has profound implications: every quartile increase in access to water and sanitation decreases under-five mortality by 1.17 and 1.66 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively. Improving water access directly saves lives and enhances community health.
Moreover, access to safe water at home through piped services empowers low-income families to pursue education and work opportunities. Evidence from countries like Yemen and Pakistan shows that even a one-hour reduction in the time children spend collecting water can increase school enrollment rates by 8-9% and 18-19%, respectively.
Globally, inadequate access to safe water and sanitation is estimated to cost the world economy USD 260 billion annually due to lost economic opportunities and poor health outcomes. By reducing the time spent gathering water, communities unlock significant economic potential and foster sustainable development.
Health Improvements and Disease Prevention
Access to nearby clean water reduces the physical strain associated with carrying heavy loads over long distances and significantly lowers the risk of waterborne diseases. In developing countries, with sub-Saharan Africa being one of the most affected regions, nearly one million people die each year from diseases related to lack of water, sanitation, or hygiene; every two minutes, a child dies from a water-related disease. By improving water quality and accessibility, communities experience better overall health outcomes, helping to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and reducing the healthcare burden on families and governments.
Enhanced Safety and Reduced Risk
The risks associated with traveling to remote water sources are considerable. Women and girls are often exposed to violence and other hazards during these journeys. In some regions, women and girls report fearing attacks during these trips, which can range from harassment to sexual violence. By providing clean water closer to home, these dangers are minimized, ensuring their safety and allowing them to focus on more productive activities. This, in turn, strengthens the social fabric of communities and promotes sustainable development.
Empowerment Through Water Access
Empowering women and girls with easy access to clean water is not merely about improving health; it’s about unlocking potential, enabling education, and fostering economic empowerment. When women and girls are freed from the daily burden of fetching water, they gain the opportunity to craft a future defined by their own aspirations and abilities.
Educational Opportunities
With more time available, girls can attend school consistently and achieve better academic outcomes. Education is a powerful driver of economic and social development, and by ensuring that girls can stay in school, we invest in the future generations of Africa. Studies indicate that girls who complete secondary education are up to six times less likely to marry as children, and they are more likely to contribute to the economy. Families in the lowest income brackets, who often spend more than 20% of their income on water, benefit significantly when water is easily accessible, as it allows them to allocate resources towards education and other essential needs.
Economic Empowerment and Community Development
Time saved from water collection can be invested in economic activities so women can start small businesses, participate in local markets, and contribute to the financial stability of their households. like witnessed in Bita Tanque village in Angola.
According to the World Bank, improving water and sanitation can yield up to USD 7 for every USD 1 invested, primarily through increased productivity and economic empowerment. Economic empowerment leads to stronger, more resilient communities, and women play a crucial role in their community development. They can engage more actively in community initiatives, leadership roles, and decision-making processes by freeing up their time and energy.
Our Commitment to Change
At Mitrelli Water and Food Security sector, we are dedicated to making safe water available within reach, transforming countless lives across Africa. Our initiatives focus on developing sustainable water infrastructure that ensures clean water access for all. We work closely with communities to implement solutions that meet their specific needs, ensuring long-term success and impact.
Our projects in Angola and other Sub-Saharan African nations showcase our commitment to this cause. Since their inception, our water initiatives had a remarkable impact across Angola. With water supply systems constructed in 215 villages across seven provinces, over 700,000 people now have access to safe drinking water. The initiative has also trained 384 local operators to manage and maintain these systems. Moreover, community awareness efforts, including 30 campaigns with educational materials, have contributed to significant improvements in public health. In Kwanza Sul, for instance, there has been a 20% decrease in water-borne diseases such as diarrheal infections. The availability of clean water has also empowered women, with 12% of those surveyed reporting new income-generating activities, while others have seen their income increase thanks to time saved from fetching water.
