Water Scarcity as a Barrier to Gender Equality and Development in Phalombe, Malawi: A systemic review

Abstract

Water scarcity is a global issue that particularly affects women’s participation in development. Studies indicate that 12% of the global population lacks basic water services, with women and girls often walking long distances to fetch water. In Malawi, one of the poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the responsibility of water collection predominantly falls on women and girls. This task significantly hampers their involvement in social and economic activities. While each rural community in Malawi has its unique characteristics, water scarcity remains a critical issue that significantly affects the participation and inclusion of women and girls in various aspects of their social lives. This paper explores the impact of water scarcity on women and girls in three villages in Phalombe District, Malawi: Kalinde, Matawa, and Lihaka. A study involving 50 participants from these areas shows that water scarcity not only threatens livelihoods but also restricts women and girls’ effective participation in economic development due to the time spent in water collection. The findings advocate for strategic interventions to remove barriers to women’s inclusion and boost gender equality and empowerment. Addressing water scarcity in such communities is crucial for enabling women and girls to engage more fully in development initiatives.