Water scarcity disproportionately impacts women and girls in Zimbabwe

As the world observes World Water Day, ActionAid Zimbabwe is calling attention to the plight of women and girls who are bearing the brunt of the country’s water scarcity crisis.

In a press statement released on Friday, ActionAid highlights a complex situation in Zimbabwe. Factors like rapid urbanisation, climate change, droughts, and El Niño have significantly increased demand for water, straining already limited resources.

ActionAid emphasises that the lack of Gender-Responsive Public Services (GRPS) leaves women and girls particularly vulnerable.

The organisation noted that these groups face harassment and even rights violations while collecting water, and the scarcity itself exacerbates existing gender inequalities.

This results in setbacks in education, economic hardship, and a rise in conflict, domestic violence, and waterborne diseases.

“The climate crisis and events like El Niño have devastated communities’ ability to make a living, especially those who rely on rain-fed agriculture,” said Joy Mabenge, Country Director of ActionAid Zimbabwe.

“Clean water has become a luxury, leaving poor communities without this essential resource.”

Budgetary limitations further exacerbate the problem. Local authorities and government agencies struggle to keep up with the growing demand for water and sanitation facilities due to population growth.

Exodus Munkuli, an SRHR activist based in Binga, added, “In the absence of water, women and girls suffer the most. Water is essential for everything they do, from menstruation and childbirth to household chores. The burden of collecting water falls on them, often in unsafe environments.”

The politicisation of water adds another layer of difficulty. Women endure long lines and even violence to access water, according to Caroline Mutimbanyoka, a women’s rights activist.

“Asking for water, a basic right, has become a political statement,” she said.

With competition for water intensifying human-wildlife conflict, particularly in Mbire, Hwange, Chiredzi, Victoria Falls, and Kariba districts, women who travel long distances to find water face even greater risks.

ActionAid Zimbabwe is calling for urgent international support to address the crisis and ensure inclusive recovery efforts. They emphasise the importance of involving affected populations, especially women and youth, in shaping solutions.

“Access to clean, safe water is a fundamental human right,” said Mabenge.

“The Zimbabwean government, with support from civil society, must guarantee water and sanitation facilities for all. This includes involving every stakeholder in water-related decision-making processes.”