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WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL
Water, Marginalisation, Women and Children
One More Day for Children Foundation in Kenya is a child protection Community Based Organisation that was formed by legal, medical and social work professionals. It is based in Laikipia, Meru, Isiolo and Samburu counties. One of their focus areas is poverty and illiteracy of girls in Isiolo and Laikipia North. These are semi-arid areas where poor access to water affects girls significantly. Travelling long distances in search of water causes absenteeism in school and exposes them to sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy. Lack of water also impacts their menstrual hygiene. Women, girls and children also suffer most when water-related conflicts and human-wildlife conflicts arise. The organisation views community water sources and points as enablers of development and WASH. Poverty, illiteracy, abuse of rights and many health issues affecting girls are linked to inaccessibility to clean water.
Helen Gathogo - Executive Director, One More Day for Children Foundation
for long distances to water cattle and goats at the expense of schooling. The girls can’t clean up during menses while those with disabilities are exposed to more risks such as defilement when their mothers are away in search of water. Challenges facing women should be tackled using water because effective WRM has an impact on WASH, personal hygiene, availability of food and quality of livelihoods. Women and girls are therefore key stakeholders in WRM and WASH. Sadly, geographical challenges limit public participation of downstream communities, more so for women who are further bogged down by illiteracy and cultural norms.
Double Tragedy for Mothers
I am a nurse by profession. I started Sangida Foundation in honour of my firstborn son who was born with a severe cognitive disability. In my Maasai community, disability is considered a curse or a bad omen. We run a rescue home for children with special needs who require safety and protection. We have rescued 60 such children who had been secluded in their homes and placed them in schools. We also support women with disabilities and women with children with special needs. Laikipia North is water insecure and this entrenches marginalisation for youth and persons with disabilities. The youth have to walk
Jacinta Silakan
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