Water- the gendered burden of our most necessary human need
I am currently in the process of editing a new episode. We took a short break because my husband was home and also because I was sick… Yay me (The husband part not the sick part). The new episode should be up this week. In the meantime, I would like to introduce you to the subject of our newest episode – water equality.
When Lisa brought this topic up, I immediately was struck with “why have I never even considered this before“ Well, the reason is because I have water privilege of course. I walk into a room and turn on a faucet and voila! there’s water. But that is not the case around the globe. I’m sure most of us are aware that there are water shortages in many parts of the world, including the extremely plugged and decimated Gaza, which is on everyone’s minds right now, but what we don’t often consider is that sourcing water tends to be not just a gendered problem, but a political - one so let’s dive in.
Water is life. It’s one of the few things every single person on this planet needs to survive, and yet, billions of people still don’t have access to clean, safe water. In fact, the United Nations recognizes access to clean water and sanitation as a human right—yet for many, it remains a daily struggle.
What is Water Equality?
Water equality means that all people, regardless of their location, income, race, or gender, have equal access to clean, affordable water. But in reality, who gets water—and who doesn’t—is often determined by systemic inequality. Rural communities, Indigenous populations, and people in lower-income or colonized nations are frequently the most affected by water scarcity and pollution.
Why Is It Unequal?
Water inequality isn’t just about droughts or natural scarcity. It’s about politics, infrastructure, and exploitation. Polluted rivers near industrial plants, lead-contaminated drinking water in urban neighborhoods, and the privatization of water sources are all symptoms of deeper inequality. And when governments or corporations control access to water, it stops being a right and becomes a commodity.
The Geopolitics of Water
Water is no longer just a humanitarian issue—it’s a geopolitical one. Many governments are treating water and clean energy as profitable assets, rather than essential human needs. Clean water is being bottled and sold for profit while local communities go without. Renewable energy projects are booming, yet the benefits rarely reach the people who need them most. In some cases, international trade agreements and infrastructure deals prioritize foreign investors over the local population’s access to resources.
This global imbalance often reinforces colonial dynamics, where wealthier nations and corporations extract value—whether water, minerals, or energy—from poorer regions without reinvesting in their well-being. Meanwhile, communities on the ground continue to face droughts, contaminated sources, and state neglect.
A Gendered Burden
Water inequality also has a gendered impact. In many parts of the world, women and girls are primarily responsible for collecting water, often walking miles each day just to bring it home. This not only endangers their safety but also limits their time for education, work, and participation in public life. Access to water isn’t just about hydration—it’s about autonomy, safety, and dignity.
What Needs to Change?
True water equality means putting people over profit. It means investing in sustainable, community-led solutions. It means holding polluters and profiteers accountable. It means respecting Indigenous water rights and rejecting the commodification of natural resources. And it means amplifying the voices of those most impacted—especially women—who are fighting daily to bring clean water to their communities.
Next week, we’ll spotlight some of the incredible women leading the charge for water justice around the globe. These are the warriors, scientists, and activists refusing to let their communities go thirsty. Stay tuned.