OWORAC Renews Call for African Governments to Reject Water Privatization
The Our Water, Our Right Africa Coalition (OWORAC) has reiterated its urgent call for African governments and communities to firmly reject water privatization. This renewed appeal coincides with the global commemoration of World Water Day, which this year focuses on the theme 'Water and Gender'. OWORAC, in a statement, described public-private partnerships as false solutions to the continent's pressing water challenges.
Gender Inequality and Water Crisis in Africa
According to a statement presented by Holiness Segun-Olufemi, Programme Officer for Water Campaign at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), on behalf of OWORAC, this year's theme highlights the critical need to address gender inequality in households facing severe water crises. OWORAC, a coalition comprising civil society organizations, local communities, and trade unionists from across Africa, asserts that all forms of water privatization and corporate control must be rejected. The coalition argues that these approaches are fundamentally incompatible with achieving both water and gender justice, particularly in the African context.
Statistics reveal a stark reality: women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa spend approximately 200 million hours each day collecting water. Cecilia Sharp, UNICEF Director of WASH and CEED, emphasized this burden, stating, "Every step a girl takes to collect water is a step away from learning, playing, and safety." This underscores how water scarcity disproportionately affects females, limiting their opportunities and exposing them to risks.
Concerns Over Zimbabwe's Gender Commission
OWORAC also expressed deep concern over reports that the government of Zimbabwe is considering dismantling the Zimbabwe Gender Commission. The coalition lamented that, at a time when the global community is acknowledging the strong links between water access and gender equality, such a move would represent a significant setback. It warned that scrapping one of the few national institutions tasked with addressing women's issues could hinder progress toward gender justice in the region.
Call for Public Investment in Water Services
At a briefing held in Lagos, which attracted media representatives and members of impacted communities, Zikora Ibeh, Assistant Executive Director of CAPPA, delivered a welcome speech. Ibeh asserted that women and girls bear the brunt of water shortages, facing increased hardships and vulnerabilities. She called on governments to abandon the idea of selling water resources to the highest bidder and instead channel public funds into strengthening public water services. This, she argued, would ensure equitable access and support sustainable development across Africa.
The coalition's message is clear: rejecting water privatization is essential for promoting gender equality and securing water as a fundamental human right for all Africans.
