While city dwellers might take a turn of the tap for granted, in many rural areas, access to clean water is a daily struggle. And it’s a struggle that falls disproportionately on the shoulders of women and their children.

This isn’t just about convenience. It’s about health, education, safety, and the very fabric of rural communities. As we delve into this issue, we’ll see how something as simple as water access can shape the entire life of a rural family.

Dawn to Dusk

Let’s consider a story that depicts a day in the life of a regular rural woman. 

It’s barely dawn but Fati is already awake. At 28, she’s a mother of four, and her day revolves around water.

Her first trip to the stream starts before sunrise. It’s a 2-kilometre walk each way, balancing a 20-litre container on her head. By the time she returns, her older children are awake and preparing for school. The water she brought isn’t enough for the family’s needs, so there’s really no time to rest.

Throughout the day, Fati will make this trip three or four times. Between these water runs, she tends to her small farm, prepares meals, and cares for her youngest child. As evening falls, she makes one last trip to ensure there’s enough water for the night and early morning.

Now this isn’t just Fati’s story. It’s the reality for millions of rural women across Nigeria.

The Long Walk

The distance to the nearest water source varies, but it’s rarely close.

According to USAID, on average, women and girls in developing countries walk 6 kilometres a day. For the Nigerian rural woman, that’s like walking from the National Stadium in Abuja to the city centre – and back, every single day.

It’s not just the distance that’s challenging. These women are carrying up to 20 litres of water on their heads. That’s 20 kilograms which is like carrying a five-year-old child on your head for kilometres.

The paths are often uneven, crossing streams or climbing hills. During rainy seasons, they become muddy and dangerous. In dry seasons, the harsh sun makes the journey even more exhausting.

Health Implications

The health impacts of this daily burden are severe and far-reaching. 

First, there’s the water itself which is often fetched from streams or drawn from shallow wells. This water is frequently contaminated and it leads to waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea. In rural Nigeria, these illnesses are not just common, they are a leading cause of death, especially among children.

Then there’s the physical toll of fetching water. The strain of carrying heavy loads leads to chronic back and neck pain. Many women develop problems with their spine over time. Pregnant women who continue this task risk complications.

The time spent fetching water also means less time for personal hygiene.

Education On Hold 

For many rural children, especially girls, education takes a backseat for the need to fetch water. 

Young girls often miss school to help their mothers fetch water. Even when they do attend, the early morning water runs leaves them tired and struggling to concentrate. 

According to UNICEF, Time spent fetching water keeps girls out of school in Nigeria. Fetching water before school doesn’t mean they won’t still fetch water after school. So there’s the part where they struggle to concentrate in the mornings and also the part where there’s barely time to attend to their homework or even read.

It’s a vicious cycle where the girls miss school to fetch water, falling behind in their studies which then leads to higher dropout rates, continuing the cycle of poverty and gender inequality.

Economic Consequences

The hours spent fetching water are hours not spent on income-generating activities. 

Many women in rural Nigeria engage in small-scale farming or trading to support their families. But the time “wasted” by water fetching limits their productive capacity. A woman spending 3-4 hours a day on fetching water might be losing out on 20-25 hours of potential work each week.

This doesn’t just affect individual families. It impacts entire communities. The World Bank estimates that Nigeria loses about 1.3% of its GDP annually due to poor sanitation which is of course as a result of poor water access. A significant portion of this comes from lost productive hours in rural areas.

Moreover, the constant struggle for water keeps families trapped in a cycle of poverty. The time and energy spent on this basic need leaves little room for education, skill development, or entrepreneurship that could lift families out of poverty.

In essence, the lack of accessible clean water isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a major barrier to economic development in rural Nigeria.

Safety Concerns

The journey to fetch water is more than tiring, it can be dangerous. Women and children often walk alone on isolated paths, making them vulnerable to attacks from both humans and animals.

In some areas, there are reports of assaults on women and girls during their water-fetching trips. The risk increases during early morning or late evening hours when visibility is low.

Wildlife poses another threat. Depending on the region, encounters with snakes or other dangerous animals are not uncommon. During dry seasons, when water sources are more scarce, there’s also the risk of confrontations with fights breaking out at crowded water points.

Cultural and Social Aspects

In many rural Nigerian communities, water collection is seen as a woman’s job. This perception is deeply rooted in traditional gender roles.

At water fetching points, be it streams, wells, or communal taps, women and girls often gather, turning the chore into a social activity. They share news, offer support, and build community bonds. While this can be positive, it also reinforces the idea that water fetching is a female responsibility.

Men’s involvement in water fetching is often limited. When men do help, it’s usually by using bicycles or motorcycles to transport water, a method not available to most women due to cultural norms or lack of resources.

Coping Strategies

Rural families have developed various strategies to manage their limited water resources. Many households practise strict water rationing, prioritising drinking and cooking over cleaning and hygiene.

Some communities have developed informal water-sharing systems. Families with access to private wells might share with neighbours, creating a network of reciprocity.

In some areas, people have started harvesting rainwater during the wet season. While this helps, it’s often not enough to last through the dry months.

Government Initiatives and Shortcomings

The Nigerian government has launched several initiatives to improve rural water access. The National Water Resources Policy aims to ensure sustainable access to safe water for all Nigerians.

However, implementation often falls short. Many rural areas still lack basic water infrastructure. Boreholes and wells, when installed, frequently fall into disrepair due to lack of maintenance.

The gap between urban and rural water access remains wide. While urban areas see improvements, rural communities often feel left behind in water development projects.

NGO Interventions

Non governmental organisations are working to fill the gaps left by government efforts. These NGOs often take a community-centred approach, involving local people in the planning and maintenance of water projects.

From installing solar-powered boreholes in rural communities, significantly reducing the distance women and children need to travel for water, to also providing training on borehole maintenance, ensuring the sustainability of these projects. These NGOs do a lot.

Some focus mainly on education, teaching communities about water conservation and hygiene practices. These efforts, while not solving the infrastructure problem, help communities make better use of available water resources.

Technological Solutions

Simple technologies can make a big difference in rural water access. Portable water filters, for instance, can make water from streams safer to drink.

Pedal-powered water pumps are another innovation gaining traction. These allow for easier water transport without the need for electricity or fuel.

However, introducing new technologies comes with challenges. There’s often a need for community education and ongoing technical support to ensure these solutions are used effectively and maintained properly.

The Ripple Effect of Clean Water Access 

When rural communities gain easy access to clean water, the changes are profound. Women and girls suddenly have hours freed up each day. This time can be used for education, income-generating activities, or simply rest.

Health improvements are often immediate. Rates of waterborne diseases drop, and children miss fewer school days due to illness.

The economic impact is significant too. With more time for productive activities, family incomes often increase. This can lead to better nutrition, improved housing, and more children attending school.

Be Part of the Solution

Solving Nigeria’s rural water crisis requires effort from everyone. Here’s how you can help:

1. Raise awareness: Share information about this issue with your network.
2. Support organizations like Aqua Maya: Donations, no matter how small, can make a big difference.
3. Advocate for better policies: Engage with your local and national representatives about rural water access.
4. Volunteer: Many NGOs need volunteers for their water projects.
5. Conserve water: By using water responsibly, you’re setting an example and preserving this precious resource.

Don’t belittle the role you play, every action counts. By working together, we can lighten the burden for rural women and children. 

Conclusion

The story of water in rural Nigeria is, at its core, a story of women and children. It’s a tale of resilience, of daily struggles, and of potential unfulfilled. But it doesn’t have to remain this way.

The burden of fetching water shapes every aspect of rural life – from health and education to economic opportunities and social dynamics. It’s a burden that weighs heaviest on women and girls, perpetuating cycles of poverty and gender inequality.

Yet, within this challenge lies an opportunity for transformative change. Providing accessible clean water to rural communities isn’t just about convenience; it’s about unlocking human potential. It’s about giving girls the chance to attend school regularly, women the time to engage in income-generating activities, and families the foundation for better health and hygiene.

The path forward requires a multi-faceted approach:

1. Infrastructure development: Investing in sustainable water systems that reach the most remote areas.
2. Community engagement: Involving local people, especially women, in the planning and maintenance of water projects.
3. Education: Promoting water conservation and hygiene practices to maximize the impact of improved water access.
4. Policy implementation: Ensuring that government initiatives translate into real changes on the ground.
5. Technological innovation: Embracing simple, effective solutions that can be maintained locally.
6. Continued support: Recognizing that solving this crisis is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix.

We at Aqua Maya are contributing our own quota and it is only wise to admit that we cannot do it alone. Every Nigerian, whether urban or rural, has a stake in this issue. By supporting these efforts, raising awareness, and demanding action from our leaders, we can all contribute to a future where clean water is a reality for every family without disparity.

The women and children of rural Nigeria have carried this burden for too long. It’s time we all share the load. Because when we lighten their burden, we uplift entire communities, and ultimately, our entire nation.

As we move forward, let’s envision a Nigeria where no child misses school to fetch water, where no woman spends her days carrying heavy jerrycans, and where clean water flows freely in every village. This vision is within our reach. Together, we can turn it into reality.

Sources:

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Gender inequality is deeply embedded in traditional roles that assign household tasks, like water collection, to females, placing an unequal burden on them. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between limited water access and gender inequality in West Africa, looking at how this issue impacts the lives of women and girls and contributes to wider social challenges.

The Role of Women in Water Collection

In West African communities, women and girls are often the ones responsible for gathering water each day. In areas where water sources are far from home, they may walk for miles, carrying heavy containers to bring back enough for their families’ needs. This daily routine, often lasting hours, can lead to physical exhaustion and even health problems over time.

In many cases, girls as young as seven or eight are tasked with this responsibility, missing out on opportunities that boys might enjoy.

The time spent collecting water has a lasting impact on women’s and girls’ lives. It limits their ability to participate in activities like school, work, or even community events, reinforcing traditional roles and keeping them from pursuing personal and economic growth. For many, water collection is a daily priority that leaves little time or energy for anything else.

Effects on Education for Girls

The impact of water collection duties on girls’ education is significant. For young girls in particular, time spent fetching water directly competes with their ability to attend school. Instead of learning, they are spending hours walking to and from water sources, often in challenging conditions. As a result, many girls in rural areas either attend school irregularly or drop out altogether.

This lack of education has long-term effects. Without schooling, girls miss out on essential skills, reducing their chances of securing good jobs or gaining economic independence. The cycle of inequality continues as these girls grow up and often pass the same responsibilities on to their daughters. However, in communities where water access has improved, school attendance rates for girls have risen, showing that solutions to water access can make a real difference in breaking this cycle.

Impact on Health and Well-being

Limited access to clean water poses serious health risks for women and girls in West Africa. Women who are responsible for collecting water often drink from sources that are contaminated, exposing them to waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. These illnesses are common in areas where clean water is scarce and sanitation is poor, and they can lead to chronic health issues or even death.

Additionally, women’s specific health needs, such as maternal care, are affected by water scarcity. During pregnancy and childbirth, clean water is essential for both the mother and baby’s health. Without it, there is a higher risk of infection, which can have lasting impacts on maternal and infant mortality rates. Women also face challenges related to menstrual hygiene when clean water is limited, impacting their dignity and well-being. 

In communities with reliable access to clean water, health outcomes improve significantly. Women are healthier, and they spend less time treating waterborne illnesses, freeing them up to focus on other areas of their lives.

Economic Consequences of Gendered Water Roles

The daily task of collecting water not only limits educational opportunities but also restricts women’s ability to engage in income-generating activities. In West African communities, many women have the potential to contribute to their local economies through farming, small businesses, or artisan work. However, the time spent on water collection takes away from these opportunities, trapping families in a cycle of poverty.

Economic empowerment for women has been shown to benefit whole communities. When women can earn an income, they reinvest in their families and local economies. Improved water access frees up their time, allowing them to start businesses, grow crops, and participate in local markets. Some communities have witnessed positive economic changes when water sources are brought closer to home, as more women can join the workforce and contribute to community development.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Gender

Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs are crucial to addressing gender inequality tied to water access. Safe sanitation facilities are often lacking in rural schools and public spaces, which disproportionately affects women and girls. Without access to clean and private facilities, many girls avoid going to school, particularly during menstruation. 

Integrating gender-sensitive approaches into WASH initiatives can help address these issues. For instance, building separate, private sanitation facilities for females in schools and public areas encourages school attendance and supports women’s participation in community activities. Additionally, education on hygiene practices and safe water use empowers women and girls to make informed health decisions.

Cultural and Social Barriers

Cultural norms in West African communities often reinforce the idea that water collection is a woman’s duty, creating additional barriers to gender equality. In many areas, men’s roles are viewed as external or income-generating, while women are expected to handle domestic tasks, including water collection. These social expectations keep women tied to household responsibilities and limit their opportunities for personal growth and community participation.

Challenging these norms can be difficult, as they are rooted in long-standing traditions. However, increasing awareness about the negative effects of gendered water roles is an important step. Community programs that involve men in discussions around water access and its impact on women’s lives can help shift attitudes and support a more balanced distribution of responsibilities. Breaking down these cultural barriers is key to ensuring that water access improvements lead to real change in gender equality.

Efforts to Address Water Access and Gender Inequality

Numerous initiatives are actively working to improve water access and reduce gender disparities across West Africa. Local governments, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies have recognized the need for gender-sensitive water solutions. These efforts often focus on building reliable water sources close to communities, reducing the burden on women and girls.

One organization making a difference is AquaMaya, which is dedicated to providing sustainable water solutions that empower women and girls. It is important to not only improve water access but also engage women in leadership roles, involving them in the planning and management of water resources. This approach ensures that the solutions are practical and that women’s voices are heard.

When women are part of decision-making processes around water, the results are more sustainable and gender-inclusive. Such efforts help ensure that water access initiatives are long-lasting and truly beneficial to those most affected, contributing to a future where women have greater opportunities and equality.

Conclusion

Water access is not just a basic necessity; it’s a foundation for health, opportunity, and equality. In West Africa, where millions still struggle for reliable, clean water, the burden of this scarcity falls most heavily on women and girls. This daily task of fetching water impacts almost every area of their lives—from health and education to economic freedom and personal safety. By limiting their time, potential, and access to resources, water scarcity reinforces gender inequality and holds back entire communities.

The role of women in water collection is often undervalued, even though it’s central to the well-being of families and communities. Every hour spent walking long distances to fetch water is an hour taken away from schooling, income generation, or community participation. For young girls, this means missing critical years of education, reducing their future opportunities, and perpetuating cycles of poverty. When they miss school regularly or drop out altogether, their chances of economic independence shrink, trapping them in roles that are passed down generation after generation.

The health risks that come with water scarcity further highlight the urgent need for change. Women and girls are often forced to collect water from sources that are polluted or unreliable, exposing themselves to serious diseases. Without clean water, basic hygiene and maternal care are difficult, which increases health risks for mothers and children alike. Access to clean water improves health for everyone in a community, but it’s especially transformative for women, who can focus on caring for their families, earning a living, and participating in their communities when they are not constantly battling waterborne illnesses.

Beyond health and education, economic empowerment is also tied to water access. In communities where women are freed from the daily task of water collection, they can engage in income-generating activities that benefit entire families and, by extension, their communities. Economic participation by women is proven to strengthen economies, increase household incomes, and lift people out of poverty. Thus, addressing water access is more than just a humanitarian effort; it is a step towards economic progress and stability for the entire region.

Efforts to address these issues are gaining traction, as local and international organizations work together to develop sustainable water solutions. Programs that prioritize the needs of women and girls are not only improving access to water but also promoting gender equity. AquaMaya’s work emphasizes sustainability and community involvement, with room for women’s leadership in water management. By involving women in the planning, management, and maintenance of water resources, they ensure that solutions are both effective and enduring. Women are often best equipped to identify the needs and limitations of their communities, and their inclusion makes projects more relevant and sustainable.

For real change to occur, water access projects must continue to address the unique challenges faced by women. This means integrating gender-sensitive approaches into water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives, building private sanitation facilities, and providing hygiene education. It also requires engaging communities to challenge traditional roles and promote more balanced responsibilities for water collection and management. Changing cultural norms takes time, but when communities come together to discuss and address these issues, progress is possible.

In the end, improving water access in West Africa will uplift not only women and girls but entire communities. It will unlock educational opportunities, improve health, and foster economic growth, bringing a future where water access is no longer a barrier but a bridge to opportunity. As organizations like AquaMaya continue their work, there is hope for a West Africa where every person, regardless of gender, has access to clean, reliable water. This vision is possible with commitment, collaboration, and continued investment in sustainable water solutions that recognize and address gender inequality as a core issue.

By prioritizing water access and gender equality together, West Africa can take a critical step towards a brighter, healthier, and more inclusive future.

Sources:

1. https://www.unicef.org/wca/press-releases/women-and-girls-bear-brunt-water-and-sanitation-crisis-new-unicef-who-report
2. https://www.unicef.org/gender-equality
3. Kayser GL, Rao N, Jose R, Raj A. Water, sanitation and hygiene: measuring gender equality and empowerment. Bull World Health Organ. 2019 Jun 1;97(6):438-440. doi: 10.2471/BLT.18.223305. Epub 2019 May 14. PMID: 31210683; PMCID: PMC6560376. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6560376/
4. https://unu.edu/article/gender-blind-spots-water-sector
5. https://www.unicef.org/documents/gender-responsive-water-sanitation-and-hygiene-key-elements-effective-wash-programming
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