Exploring the experiences of the overburden of water collection responsibility of rural women in Ghana.

IF 2.5 4区 环境科学与生态学 Q3 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Journal of water and health Pub Date : 2024-11-01 Epub Date: 2024-10-25 DOI:10.2166/wh.2024.033
Gervin Ane Apatinga, Corinne Schuster-Wallace, Sarah Dickson-Anderson
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Despite evidence emphasizing women's responsibility for collecting water in sub-Saharan Africa, more needs to be known about the gender-specific consequences of this obligation, especially in rural Ghana, where water inaccessibility is a persistent issue. Employing a community-based case study, this research aimed to explore the gendered consequences of women's water collection responsibility, using a coupled systems framework. Data were gathered from surveys and focus groups and analysed statistically and thematically, respectively. Key findings highlighted intersecting influences in women's water access and collection difficulties, including distance to water sources, poverty, and health issues. Results revealed that over 50% of women experienced multiple consequences, including physical and psychological injuries (>80%), animal attacks (≤12%), spousal violence (>40%), nutritional challenges (>30%), hygiene problems (>40%), and socioeconomic issues (>50%). Over half faced three to seven intersecting water-related consequences, which intensified their difficulty in accessing and collecting water. Differences were observed across sub-communities. Interestingly, not all men had knowledge of these consequences, highlighting the crucial need to broaden their understanding as part of the solution to ease women's burdens. Addressing sociocultural norms and the various factors influencing access through effective and gendered water management and planning is imperative to alleviate women's burdens and improve equitable access.

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来源期刊
Journal of water and health
Journal of water and health 环境科学-环境科学
CiteScore
3.60
自引率
8.70%
发文量
110
审稿时长
18-36 weeks
期刊介绍: Journal of Water and Health is a peer-reviewed journal devoted to the dissemination of information on the health implications and control of waterborne microorganisms and chemical substances in the broadest sense for developing and developed countries worldwide. This is to include microbial toxins, chemical quality and the aesthetic qualities of water.
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