Rural Women’s Day: the unseen struggle for water

RURAL Women’s Day is an occasion that seeks to shed light on the often unnoticed, yet critical, struggles faced by women living in rural areas, particularly in India. Among the many challenges rural women face, the daily quest for water stands out as a formidable burden. In rural India, access to clean and safe drinking water is still a distant dream for many, and the responsibility of procuring water often falls on the shoulders of rural women, compelling them to embark on arduous journeys to fetch this essential resource. Find out more here about one NGO’s mission to help rural women in Rajasthan access clean water.

The significance of Rural Women’s Day

Rural Women’s Day, observed annually on October 15, serves as a platform to recognize the invaluable contributions of rural women, their resilience and their role as key agents of change within their communities. This day serves as a reminder that the struggles they face are not just individual challenges but systemic issues that require attention, action and support.

The water scarcity crisis in rural India

Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people in rural India still lack this basic necessity. While there are commendable efforts to improve water infrastructure, a significant proportion of the population, particularly in remote villages and tribal areas, continues to grapple with water scarcity.

Rural women are often at the forefront of this crisis. They are responsible for not only securing water for household needs but also for various agricultural and livestock-related activities. This dual burden not only impacts their physical health but also places a substantial burden on their time and productivity.

The arduous journey for water

The journey to fetch water in rural India is no easy task. Women often have to travel long distances to reach the nearest water source, which is typically a river, pond or well. These sources are frequently contaminated, posing a significant risk to health.

Walking barefoot in scorching heat or through muddy terrain, carrying heavy pots or jerry cans on their heads, rural women must navigate challenging landscapes to ensure their families have access to water. This journey can take hours each day, making it a time-consuming and physically demanding endeavor.

Health implications

The physically demanding task of fetching water often takes a toll on the health of rural women. The weight of the water containers, often balanced precariously on their heads, can lead to musculoskeletal problems and chronic pain. Walking long distances in adverse weather conditions further contributes to their physical strain.

Moreover, the water they fetch from untreated sources is frequently contaminated with harmful bacteria and chemicals. This waterborne contamination poses a grave risk to their health, resulting in waterborne diseases like diarrhea, cholera and typhoid. These ailments not only affect the women but also have devastating consequences for their families, particularly children.

Educational barriers

The burden of fetching water affects not only the physical but also the educational prospects of rural women. Many young girls are expected to assist their mothers in collecting water, which often leads to their missing school. In these communities, education is frequently seen as secondary to household chores and responsibilities, further perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

Empowering rural women

Efforts to alleviate the burdens placed on rural women in India in their pursuit of water are multifaceted. Various organizations, both governmental and non-governmental, are working to improve water infrastructure in rural areas. Building more wells, providing access to borewells, and implementing water purification systems are some of the measures being undertaken.

In addition to improving infrastructure, efforts are being made to empower rural women, providing them with the tools and knowledge to assert their rights and improve their living conditions. This empowerment takes several forms:

Women’s self-help groups: These groups encourage collective action, fostering a sense of solidarity among women. They provide financial and social support while also addressing issues like health, sanitation and water management.

Skill development: Training programs aimed at imparting practical skills can help rural women generate income and become financially independent. This, in turn, can relieve some of the economic burdens associated with water scarcity.

Education initiatives: Promoting education, especially for young girls, is vital in breaking the cycle of poverty. Programs that focus on creating a conducive environment for schooling and ensuring that water-fetching responsibilities don’t interfere with education are essential.

Advocacy and awareness: Advocacy campaigns are critical in raising awareness about the challenges faced by rural women and the importance of gender equality. These efforts can lead to policy changes and improved access to clean water.

Help rural women in Rajasthan access water

Rural Women’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by rural women in India, particularly when it comes to the arduous task of fetching water. Their daily struggle highlights the intersection of gender inequality, water scarcity and health risks. It is crucial to recognize the pivotal role rural women play in their communities and acknowledge their immense resilience. 

Empowering rural women by improving access to clean water, enhancing educational opportunities, and offering skill development programs can help break the cycle of poverty and lead to more sustainable and equitable communities. Rural Women’s Day should be a call to action for governments, organizations and individuals to come together and support these women who bear the weight of the world on their shoulders, one water pot at a time. To support Karunalya Social Welfare Foundation’s initiative to bring water to rural women in Rajasthan, you can donate here.