We distinguish efficiency approach versus empowerment approach. It is now clear that, because women want clean water, they are important agents in operating and maintaining services. In April 1998, at the sixth session of the UN Commission for Sustainable Development, women from many regions of the world were asking for attention to be paid to their specific water-related problems. Women from the Aral Sea region in Central Asia demanded that the international community pay attention to and accept accountability for providing access to clean water, without salt or highly toxic chemicals. The courage is needed to implement alternative models.
Women do make a difference, if heard and given the opportunity.
If this does not happen soon, we will have to bring the water from the moon. Lis Joosten is an Environment and Technology Specialist with Unifem in New York.