Women must have an active role in water management

Gender inequalities in Latin America are visible in practically all the spheres of society: from the low representation in public institutions and management positions in private enterprises, to less qualified employment or lower levels of financial education.

The water sector is not an exception: especially in rural areas and among vulnerable populations, women usually dedicate a good part of their time to daily activities related to the domestic use of water -such as preparing food, wash clothes, hygiene, or vegetable gardens-, when they could invest that time in generating their own incomes or in training. 

For this reason, a more efficient management of water resources would not only improve the life conditions of the inhabitants of the region, but it would also give more opportunities to women, who are the most affected group by the lack and inefficiency of the water services.  

Increasing the empowerment of women in decision making related to water management for their diverse uses is, on the one hand, a key element to achieve gender equity, and on the other, an essential element for the supply, management, and conservation of water in the region. 

To ensure more equitable conditions in the management and access to water, it is essential to increase the inclusion of women in decision-making positions within the management systems of the water resources, so as to guarantee the protection of their particular rights. 

In general lines, men and women show different priorities related to the use of water and sanitation. At home, for example, they have different responsibilities and needs with respect to personal hygiene and tasks carried out around the house that require access to water.

Large potential

Latin America currently has 28 percent of the land with potential for agriculture, and one third of the fresh water in the planet. These conditions provide a privileged position to increase the production of food. This also shows that gender equity would help unleash the region's potential, as women represent half of the labor force in agricultural production, and have a very important roles in subsistence family farming. 

Among the efforts to promote an inclusive and equitable management of water, CAF supports the development of interventions that implement gender strategies focused on the most vulnerable populations. This is the case of the Mi Agua Program (My Water) in Bolivia, which foresees a follow-up of the different projects to identify the participation of women during the execution of the works, as well as sensitization and training workshops to incorporate gender perspective in the projects.

Closing the gap between men and women to access opportunities and competencies in an equitable manner is essential for Latin America to advance in the achievement of the Objectives of Sustainable Development, taking into consideration that it is the region with the greatest gender inequity.

The productive empowerment of women in strategic sectors such as water and sanitation is an essential part of CAF's strategy to achieve development and integration in Latin America.