Environment
For Water Systems That Work, Look to Women
In many countries, women collect water and manage its use in the home, but they are underrepresented in decision-making about this vital natural resource.
When Meena Sankaran was growing up in Mumbai, her family had access to water for one hour per day via a water tank. Her mother would boil the same water many times over for cooking and drinking. They couldn’t afford a filtration system.
“Now I know it doesn’t do anything to keep boiling the same water,” said Sankaran, “but it’s a mental satisfaction that you’re making it somewhat purer for your children.”