The article to write:
Images of water shortage and the disastrous consequences for women and girls
Water scarcity is an alarming problem affecting many regions across the world. Unfortunately, women and girls are often the first to be affected by this situation. In fact, they are forced to travel long distances on foot to fetch drinking water, which exposes them to many dangers.
In the Mbanza-Lemba district, located in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, residents have been facing a water shortage for almost three years. To obtain water, they face risks such as rape, physical attacks, theft and gossip.
Unfortunately, these dangers are very real. Heartbreaking testimonies tell stories of rape and brutality suffered by women and young girls who go to water points. A 19-year-old girl was raped by bandits while returning home after fetching water. His little brother was also tied up and the attackers took away all their belongings.
The situation is even more worrying for young girls in school. With the constraints linked to the water supply, they cannot go to school at fixed times. Some of them even abandoned their education to be able to fetch water and help their families through this ordeal.
Water scarcity also impacts the mental health of women and girls. The testimonies describe the constant fear, anxiety and trauma experienced on a daily basis. Additionally, lack of clean water leads to serious health problems, such as bacterial, viral and parasitic infections.
Faced with this disastrous situation, Regideso, the water distribution company, set up boreholes in the Mbanza-Lemba district. However, a single borehole functions properly and cannot meet the needs of the entire population.
The reasons for this water shortage are multiple, ranging from power cuts to technical problems and the age of the equipment. A lasting solution must be found to improve access to drinking water in this community.
There is an urgent need to raise awareness and mobilize local authorities, humanitarian organizations and civil society to find solutions to this problem. Water is a basic need that must be accessible to everyone, particularly women and girls, who are the most vulnerable in situations of shortage.
In conclusion, the images of water shortage and the dramatic consequences for women and girls cannot be ignored. It is time to act and ensure that water becomes accessible to all, ensuring the safety, dignity and well-being of everyone.