Walking in their Shoes: The Plight of Women and Girls in Zimbabwe’s Water Crisis.             

Loraine Phiri

In Zimbabwe, a nation grappling with a severe water crisis, the absence of clean and readily available water goes beyond mere inconvenience. For women and girls, it’s a constant struggle, a daily test that demands resilience and resourcefulness. This lack of water creates a complex web of challenges, impacting their health, education, and overall well-being.

The Burden of Period Poverty:

Imagine navigating your menstrual cycle with limited access to clean water. This is the grim reality for many girls and women who must resort to unhygienic alternatives, putting them at risk of infections and health complications. Without water managing their menstrual cycles with dignity and maintaining basic hygiene becomes an additional layer of stress and anxiety amidst limited resources.

“The lack of clean water compounds the existing challenges of accessing sanitary pads for many women and girls. Without clean water, maintaining hygiene during menstruation becomes incredibly difficult. This makes attending school during my period incredibly stressful, as I struggle to feel comfortable” said Sibonginkosi Mpofu.

Motherhood without Water:

Beyond personal needs, the burden falls heavily on women as the primary caregivers. Without water caring for children takes on a whole new dimension. Tasks as basic as washing hands after diaper changes, cleaning feeding bottles, and maintaining overall hygiene become near-impossible feats. This not only compromises the health of the child but also creates an immense emotional and physical strain on the mother.

“Without water, even the simplest tasks become overwhelming. Keeping things clean is a constant battle. My new-born needs clean bottles, but water is scarce. The hardest part? Watching my children. They love to play, but with limited water, every muddy puddle or dusty adventure means clothes I can’t wash. Their playtime becomes restricted. I cannot allow them to freely play, and it breaks my heart. Having enough water isn’t a luxury, it’s the foundation for a healthy childhood,” said  Ms. Susan Mhlanga

A Sterile Home: A Distant Dream:

Maintaining a clean and sanitary home environment becomes an impossible task without readily available water. Washing dishes, cleaning floors, and disinfecting surfaces become luxuries, increasing the risk of disease and infection for the entire family. Laundry piles up, adding another layer of stress and frustration.

Protecting the Vulnerable:

With the recent cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, the lack of water poses an even greater threat, particularly to children. Proper hand hygiene, a crucial defense against the spread of the disease, becomes virtually impossible without access to clean water. Mothers bear the brunt of this responsibility, constantly worried about their children’s health and safety.

Stolen Dreams:

The time spent fetching water, often hours each day, comes at a significant cost. A disproportionate burden falls on girls when it comes to securing water for their families. This daily chore, often requiring them to walk long distances and wait in lengthy queues, can consume hours of their time. This has a significant impact on their education, as the time spent fetching water translates to less time available for attending school, completing homework, and studying. As a result, girls often fall behind in their studies, limiting their educational opportunities and perpetuating the cycle of gender inequality. Women, too, face the dilemma of sacrificing income-generating activities or household responsibilities in their quest for water, further impacting their livelihood and well-being.

The water crisis in Zimbabwe is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of basic needs. While thirst may be the most immediate consequence, the true impact is far-reaching, disproportionately affecting women and girls. Until access to clean water becomes a reality, their struggles will continue, highlighting the urgent need for solutions that prioritize their basic human rights and ensure their dignity and well-being.