1. WOMEN AND WATER- A REALITY
Lalit Mohan Sharma
INSTITUTE OF RURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, GURGAON

2. TREADING COUNTLESS MILES
Foot soldiers evading water crisis
“We don’t count the miles we cover everyday to get water for our family”

3. WORKING INNUMERABLE HOURS
Trudging day and night to fulfill water needs of the family
“We don’t question the time and hours we spend on collecting water”

4. SHOULDERING ENORMOUS RESPONSIBILITIES
Foregoing formal education for procuring water
“For us age is not a barrier when it comes to water collection”

5. MANAGING WATER IN HOUSEHOLDS
Meeting water needs of the family effectively
“We ensure water for all in our family against all hardships and scarcity”

6. We are responsible for providing water
We are the major stakeholder in water
BUT
Do we have a say in managing water resources ?
Do we participate in water discussions at community level ?
Do we provide inputs for water management programs ?
Do we design community water management programs?
Do we lead water management programs ?

7. At community level, our participation is ……
CORNERED
AND
SILENT

8. UNHEARD
Muted presence of women at community level
“Our opinions and views are seldom sought in managing water resources ”

9. EXCLUDED
Restricted participation of women in communities
“ Culture and tradition forbid us from participating at the community level”

10. Subordinated
Inferior position at the community level
“ We are always perceived as followers and never as leaders”

11. Why are we just categorized as mere recipients
and not seen as decision makers and leaders
LEADERSHIP
??
PARTICIPATION
IN DECISION
MAKING
MERE
RECIPIENT
Where am I?

12. Where the situation has led us
Unless we change our ways, two-
thirds of the world‚ population will
face water scarcity by 2025.
(Source: www.foodandwaterwatch.org)

13. It is time to change……
Involve us in the management of water resources
for ensuring a better future for our children…

14. WOMEN-LED WATER MANAGEMENT
NEED OF THE HOUR