 Lack of access to clean potable water has been recognized as a factor increasing women's work burdens in those parts of the world where they are responsible for collecting water for basic needs like cooking, cleaning and hygiene. In some cases water collection can take up to 60 per cent of their working time (UNESCO 2004).
In many developing countries, women and children walk longer distances to secure clean water when water sources are contaminated or reduced by humans, animals, or natural hazards such as drought. In rural Africa, women and girls spend as much as three hours a day fetching water, using up more than one-third of their daily caloric energy intake (WEHAB Working Group 2002). This limits the time available for them to engage in wage-earning economic and social activities and development projects. Lack of clean water is also responsible for water-borne diseases among children - one of the major causes of child disease and mortality. This further adds to women's childcare responsibilities.
Women have considerable knowledge about water resources, including water quality and reliability, and are key to the success of water resources development and protection. Yet women’s knowledge and role in water resource management is still largely unrecognized, and social and economic norms often reinforce unequal
participation and decision-making in community organizations such as water users’
associations.
Taking gender issues into consideration allows for a better understanding of the
entire hydrological cycle and the interaction of water with other natural and socioeconomic systems. Increased gender awareness in water resource management can foster greater participation, collaboration, and consensus.
The importance of involving women in water management in local communities has been well documented over the years. A review of 271 World Bank projects by the International Food Policy Research Institute shows that when women are consulted, sustainability of projects is increased by 16 per cent (IFPRI 2000). Yet, in most parts of the world, women are involved only at the lower echelons of water monitoring and management. Men still take most decisions on water, particularly at the national and global level. The global trend towards privatization of public services may make matters worse, if increased water and energy prices result in decreased access to clean water for poor women. Women have been central in struggles against the privatization of public water services (WEDO 2003)
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