African women and girls spend 40 billion hours per year collecting water.
Women often have to wait in turn to collect water, forcing many to leave home in the middle of the night to reach the source/(WaterAid)
Constantly carrying heavy water containers with 5 gallons, that weigh up to 50lbs, on the head, hip or back, has severe health implications. In extreme cases curved spines and pelvic deformities can result, causing problems in childbirth. (WaterAid)
In Tanzania women have reported taking water as a special gift to a new other as it is considered to be the most precious gift you can give. (WaterAid)
The health issues in Africa have increased challenges due to the high incidence of HIV/AIDS. Safe water is essential for health maintenance.
CHALLENGE: Women and girls in Africa spend over 40 billion hours collecting water(World Health Organization)
Women and girls can sometimes spend all day fetching water
Water related diseases cost the Indian economy 73 million working days a year
Lack of sanitation facilities force women and girls to resort to relieving themselves publicly leaving them vulnerable to violent attacks and rape
A 20-liter (5 gallon) jug of water weighs almost 50lbs
When water and sanitation facilities are in schools, the number of female students increases. With just a few years of basic education, women have smaller, healthier families, and are more likely able to work their way out of poverty
Each additional year of female education is thought to reduce child mortality by 5-10%
