World Ark Magazine - May/June 2008 - (Page 16)

FooD 750 Number of gallons of water it takes to produce our daily food ration, which is 1,000 times what we need for drinking purposes. Water for Women Women’s lives all around the world are closely connected to water. The “Water for life Decade” recognizes the central role that women play in providing, managing and safeguarding water and as the main role models within the family when it comes to sanitation and hygiene. During the “Decade,” it is crucial to ensure the full participation and equal involvement of women in water-related development efforts and to approach water and sanitation issues from a gender perspective. Women have considerable knowledge about water resources, including location, quality and storage methods, and they are often the most motivated to ensure that water supply and sanitation facilities work. Indigenous women in particular often have extensive traditional knowledge regarding water sources, conservation and management. This central role of women is often overlooked in efforts to improve management of water resources and extend access to adequate sanitation. Women often have no voice in decisions about the kind of services they receive. the challenge In most societies, women have primary responsibility for water supply, sanitation and health at the household level. Water is necessary not only for drinking but also for food preparation, care of domestic animals, crop irrigation, personal hygiene, care of the sick, cleaning, washing and waste disposal—all activities that are largely the responsibility of women. Women and girls have the greatest need for private and safe sanitation facilities. Women also suffer disproportionately in water-related disasters, such as floods, as they often do not receive warnings or other information about hazards and risks. What needs to be done? By approaching water supply and sanitation from a gender perspective, the benefits and costs of water use can accrue equitably to all groups, and the creativity, energy and knowledge of both women and men can contribute to making water schemes work better. Importantly, improvements in access to safe water and sanitation that involve both women and men will lead to multiple benefits in other areas such as reducing poverty, enabling girls to get an education, and reducing child and maternal mortality. For the report in full, including the U.N.’s recommendations for action, visit World Ark online at www.heifer.org/worldark. Excerpted from “Water for Life Decade: 2005-2015” by the United Nations Department of Public Information. © 2008 United Nations. Reprinted with the permission of the United Nations. action needed – Involve women and men equally in decision-making – Pay attention to the privacy and security needs of women and girls with regard to the location and design of sanitation facilities – Improve access to water for all – Accord women equitable access to land and other resources 16 May/June 2008 | WOrlD Ark www.heifer.org http://www.heifer.org/worldark http://www.heifer.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of World Ark Magazine - May/June 2008

World Ark Magazine - May/June 2008 Contents Letters For the Record The Good Life Asked & Answered Why Water Matters The Carbon Hoofprint From Farm to Table Healing History Mixed Media Heifer Spirit Heifer Bulletin World Ark Market Calendar First Person

World Ark Magazine - May/June 2008

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