Water
Extreme degradation of ecosystems, pollution, and over-consumption of water in rich countries and by the rich in poor countries, as well as the impact of extreme poverty, have all contributed to an environmental catastrophe in the world’s water supply. With millions of people – especially the poorest in our societies – excluded from access to safe drinking water, the water crisis is one of social inequality and a threat to human rights. Climate change only further exacerbates water challenges and inequalities between the rich and poor.
On July 28, 2010, in a historic moment for humanity, the UN affirmed the right to water and sanitation as a fundamental human right— an important step in transforming society’s relationship with water and holding governments accountable. But today, millions of people still lack access to safe drinking water- resulting in the deaths of approximately 3.4 million people in developing countries each year. Women make up more than half of the millions who lack access to clean water, are often most responsible for water management, and are regularly hardest hit by stress on water supply.
Water vital natural resource and a human right, and the right and access to clean, safe water is intrinsically linked to gender equality. From the miles & hours women and girls spend collecting water– the implications this has on their health, education and economic opportunity– to the threat of climate change on water resources affecting all aspects of women’s and men’s lives, it is clear that water is a human rights and women’s rights issue.
Visit our Library to fine some key resources on women and water.
The Latest Water News
Billions of Drops in the Bucket: WEDO at CGI University
[ April 6, 2013; ]
NEW YORK (April 5, 2013)– WEDO’s ED Cate Owren is delighted to be heading to St. Louis, Missouri, this weekend to participate in the Clinton Global Initiative University annual conference. She will join a panel on Engaging Women in Water Solutions, highlighting the critical roles of women and men alike in natural resources management and conservation, and decision-making and initiatives, at all levels. All the more urgent and essential in the midst of a changing climate, …
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Guide to World Water Day
Water for Life
Water vital natural resource and a human right, and the right and access to clean, safe water is intrinsically linked to gender equality. From the miles & hours women and girls spend collecting water– the implications this has on their health, education and economic opportunity– to the threat of climate change on water resources affecting all aspects of women’s and men’s lives, it is clear that water is a human rights and …
On Water and Forestry Day- Raise Awareness through Social Media
Over the next few days, on the occasions of World Forestry Day (March 21st) and World Water Day (March 22nd) WEDO will be recognizing women’s rights in the access to and control over water resources and forest preservation. Show your support and help us raise awareness!
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When our colleague Andrea visited Uganda and Cameroon for WEDO’s work on forestry issues, she captured some wonderful images of the people she worked with there. Alongside other …
Recognizing Women’s Rights on World Forestry Day and World Water Day
Each year, March 21st (World Forestry Day) and 22nd (World Water Day) are dedicated to recognizing the crucial importance of water resources and forests. World Forestry Day originated at the 23rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971 as a
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High Level Panel on Rural Women and the Right to Water
[ March 2, 2012; 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. ] Today, WEDO will speak on a panel to discuss the issue of human rights, women’s rights and the right to water. WEDO is proud to be part of this distinguished panel of experts. Follow, @WEDO_Worldwide on Twitter for live updates from the event.
