Improving access to water and women's future

Climate change exacerbates existing gender inequalities and challenges in accessing water, creating a complex web of vulnerabilities, especially for women. These vulnerabilities are intersectional, meaning they are influenced by multiple factors such as gender, socioeconomic status, and geographic location.  The southwestern coastal belt of Bangladesh is one of the most climate-affected areas in the country. Rising sea levels, frequent inundations, and saline water intrusion are reducing the availability of safe drinking water and heavily impacting the health, well-being, education, and communities' livelihoods. Women and girls, who are often responsible for water collection and management, bear the brunt of these climate-induced challenges.

"Every day my mother fetched water while I cared for my siblings. When my mother had to stay home to care for my sick father, I took on the responsibility. I was often late for school or even unable to attend. We often stood in long queues and sometimes returned empty-handed. Even at school, there was no safe drinking water. Without a safe source, my family used pond water, which made us sick with diarrhoea and dysentery.," remembers Sahana Akhtar Rimi (13), from Koyra, Khulna.

A study reveals that in coastal Bangladesh, 42.50% of women face challenges in accessing drinking water compared to 29% of men. Women in these regions face high risks of gender-based violence (GBV) when travelling long distances to fetch water or use remote sanitation facilities Additionally, the lack of safe and accessible toilets exposes women and girls to health risks and limits their opportunities for education and income-generating activities. Adolescent girls are disproportionately affected, as they lack access to basic menstrual hygiene services at school due to the scarcity of clean water and proper Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) facilities.

Promoting inclusive water and sanitation

Promoting inclusive WASH services is crucial to accelerate action for gender equality. One such initiative is the Increasing Access to Improved WASH Services (IAIWASH) project implemented by Helvetas, which is transforming women's lives in the climate-vulnerable Bangladesh coastal regions through inclusive and resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions. The project has promoted and installed climate-resilient and innovative solutions such as pond sand filters (PSF), rainwater harvesting systems, double-platform tube wells, piped network systems, and solar-powered pumps. 

Since 2023, the project has constructed 153 water points in communities and 13 school WASH blocks. These technologies provide reliable water sources and reduce the time and effort women spend on water collection, allowing them to engage in other productive activities.

Encouraging women participation

To ensure the inclusivity and sustainability of WASH intervention, the IAIWASH project emphasizes the importance of women’s participation in the planning, designing and management of WASH services and facilities. Women are involved in mapping water resources and selecting the sites to construct the water points, they are actively engaged in the operation and management of WASH facilities ensuring that the facilities meet their specific needs.  To ensure true women's participation, the project encouraged and facilitated the establishment of women-led civil society organizations like the Mother’s Parliament in Koyra, Paikgasa and Morrelganj sub-district. 

Mother’s Parliaments advocate for gender-responsive and climate-resilient WASH services through persistent actions such as petition submission, and meetings with local government officers on policies and budget allocations.

This inclusive approach ensures that the services meet the specific needs of women, and empower them to take on leadership roles within their communities.

"As a member of the Mother’s Parliament, I am proud to have now the skills to advocate for our needs. Many women like me, who were once silent, are now raising their voices to address local challenges and drive meaningful change," says Sathi Rani (47), Deputy Speaker, Mother’s Parliament, Morrelganj Upazila, Bagerhat.

At the Union level, the project facilitates the creation of the Health Village Groups (HVG), with 80 per cent women representation. The HVG identifies WASH issues, advocates for rights, and works to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene services through participatory engagement and collaboration with local government structures, aiming for women's empowerment and resilience building.

To strengthen these women-led platforms, the project focuses on building the capacity of women and local communities to manage and sustain WASH services and facilities. Under the IAIWASH project, 375 Health Village Group Members and 137 Water User Committee were trained,  ensuring 80 per cent and 50 per cent women participants respectively. By equipping women with the knowledge and skills needed to manage WASH services, the project is fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility, which is crucial for women's empowerment and the sustainability of these interventions.

With its inclusive approach and women's engagement, the IAIWASH project has had a profound impact on the health and economic well-being of women in coastal Bangladesh. Access to safe water and improved sanitation reduced water-borne diseases lowered medical expenses and contributed to better women's health conditions. Moreover, the time saved from water collection and the availability of proper sanitation facilities have enabled women to pursue education and income-generating activities, contributing to their economic empowerment. The installation of lighting systems around water points provides a safer environment for girls and women, contributing to reducing the risk of gender-based violence (GBV).

Making schools a more friendly space for girls

Accessing clean water and hygiene facilities for adolescent girls is of particular importance. Therefore, IAWASH has built inclusive WASH blocks in 15 schools, providing Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) gender-segregated handwashing stations, and drinking water facilities. These facilities are designed to meet the needs of girls.

I didn't want to go to school when I had my period, because I was afraid of being teased when I went to the toilet. Now thanks to the new WASH Block the school feels like a safe home, the girls are no longer ashamed, and I do not skip class anymore. Jyoti Halder (13), Haji Raja Ullah Smriti Secondary School, Morrelganj, Bagerhat

Access to proper sanitation and hygiene facilities ensures that girls can attend school and participate in income-generating activities without interruption, promoting their overall well-being and empowerment. These improvements have made a significant difference, allowing girls to manage their menstrual hygiene with dignity and comfort, and reducing absenteeism from school.

“Now, about 75 students in our village can access clean water thanks to WASH block in school. Girls don’t’ skip classes anymore and can better prepare to contribute to the well-being of their communities- Shimu (15) Morrelganj, Bagerhat.