Women-Led Solutions Maximize Social Impact

by the lack of acesss to clean water, unfortunately, they are least likely to control or manage water infrastructure. According to a World Bank study, women make up only 18% of the workforce in the water sector globally. Women who manage their own clean water access not only ensure the most vulnerable women and girls are no longer subjected to violence, but when women lead and manage water ventures it provides greater confidence, agency, leadership and engagement in community as change leaders. Women-designed water projects are often strategically placed to ensure maximal accessibility, reducing dangerous and long journeys for the most vulnerable. Time no longer spent by women and girls collecting water can also be invested in other income generating pursuits. Reducing collection time also protects girls’ access to education, enabling the next generation even greater opportunities. The World Health Organization and UN estimates that every $1 invested in water and sanitation yields an economic return of $4.3 and 1.5 percent increase in GDP through reduced health care costs and other benefits. Fee-based water enterprises, which sell water even at reduced market rates to help the economically vulnerable, can still provide women’s groups with a viable and sustainable income, and an opportunity to use profits to serve other community needs. 

Learn more about:

Global Grassroots Women’s Water Leadership Initiative

Global Grassroots water ventures in East Africa

Download Global Grassroots’ Women & Water  PDF

Download Global Grassroots’ Conscious Social Change for Women