For her it's the big issue

Putting women at the centre of water supply, sanitation and hygiene

By: Fisher, J
Published by: Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council, 2006
Via: Siyanda

Since 1990, over one billion people have gained access to improved drinking water and sanitation services. However, there are still 2.6 billion people who do not have sanitation facilities, and 1.1 billion people who are still using water from unimproved sources. Lack of basic sanitation and safe water is an acute problem for women and girls, particularly for those living in poor and overcrowded urban slums and in the rural areas of many developing countries. Many of them have to wait to relieve themselves until dark, putting themselves at risk of harassment and sexual assault. When crises hit and security is diminished, even fetching water becomes dangerous for fear of assault. It is thus crucial to put women at the centre of water supply, sanitation and hygiene activities. Taking women's needs and preferences into account has resulted in: a decrease in drop-out rates from school of young women due to the provision of separate and adequate sanitation facilities; reductions in child mortality and maternal morbidity as a result of appropriate sanitation facilities and improved hygiene during child birth; improved health for women and girls who no longer have to delay defecation and urination; and increased privacy and dignity for women, particularly when symptoms associated with menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth can be managed discreetly.