CSW 66 – 2022 (Online)
Delegate: National Board of Catholic Women (England and Wales)
Speaker: “Water, Climate Change and Life Chances for Girls and Women”
Date: 15 March, 2022
At my CSW 66 presentation on Climate Change and Water Crisis, attention was drawn to the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, particularly in rural India. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, droughts, floods, and declining water resources have intensified food insecurity, reduced agricultural productivity, increased unemployment, and triggered migration.
Women are often the first responders to water scarcity because they bear primary responsibility for securing water for their families. In many rural communities, women and girls walk long distances several times a day to collect water from wells or public taps, affecting their health, education, and economic opportunities. The lack of adequate sanitation and water facilities in schools also contributes to girls dropping out of education.
The discussion highlighted additional challenges faced by women, including exposure to contaminated water and water-borne diseases, caste-based discrimination in access to water sources, and the severe impact of climate change on women engaged in agriculture and livestock management. Droughts, delayed monsoons, and reduced crop yields place further economic burdens on women, often forcing them to seek additional income simply to secure water for household and agricultural needs.
Several practical solutions were proposed. These included promoting rainwater harvesting, water conservation practices, safe water treatment methods, recycling of water, and sustainable agricultural techniques such as mulching to retain soil moisture. Emphasis was placed on training women in water management, irrigation systems, plumbing skills, and digital literacy so they can access information and implement local solutions.
The presentation also highlighted successful government initiatives such as the Swajal Project, which provides sustainable drinking water access while creating employment opportunities for women, and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), which supports climate-resilient activities including water conservation, agroforestry, and mangrove restoration.
The key conclusion was that women must be placed at the centre of climate adaptation and water management strategies. Through education, leadership opportunities, skill development, and active participation in decision-making, women can play a transformative role in building resilient communities and ensuring sustainable water security for future generations.