THE Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) has warned that, despite women’s crucial role in community water collection and management, they remain sidelined from decision making and policy implementation.
The 2013 National Water Policy promises equitable access, yet chronic under funding, crumbling infrastructure, and weak governance leave about 60 % of Zimbabweans without reliable, safe drinking water disproportionately burdening women, girls, and those with disabilities.
WCoZ reports that women and girls spend hours fetching water, cutting into education, income earning, and caregiving time.
“Empowering women in water management leads to more sustainable practices and better health outcomes for families,” WCoZ said.
“Women are under represented in water committees and policy forums, so their needs are often overlooked.”
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The report notes that women are responsible for household water collection, and girls miss school when water sources are far, reinforcing cycles of poverty.
“Women with disabilities face extra hurdles — mobility barriers and discrimination that limit their access to clean water,” the report reads.
“The National Water Policy (2013) aims for equity, but implementation stalls due to insufficient funding, poor infrastructure, and governance gaps.”
WCoZ called for urgent investment, inclusive governance structures, and targeted programmes that place women at the centre of water planning and management.
“Their voices are marginalised in community meetings and policy discussions, leading to inadequate consideration of their needs.”
The coalition urged stakeholders to act immediately to improve infrastructure, secure financing, and ensure women — especially young women and those with disabilities — have a seat at every water management table.