INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!

March 8th is International Women’s Day! Today the world celebrates the history and accomplishments of women and commemorates the ongoing fight for gender equality worldwide. For international women’s day, we’d like to highlight Haitian women, and the unique experiences they have surrounding water insecurity.

Globally, water insecurity tends to have greater effects on women and girls than it does men. In most water insecure areas, women and girls are usually responsible for water collection and transportation, which is especially true in Haiti. This task, though necessary, often leaves women vulnerable to multitude of dangers. Women without access to safe water are more likely to contract waterborne illnesses and disease. Many women in rural areas travel far distances to fetch water, which has its own set of dangers. These women are often exposed to unsafe environmental conditions as Haiti is prone to natural disasters. They are also more likely to experience some form of gender-based violence during their journeys.

One of the main issues surrounding women and water insecurity is sanitation and hygiene. Though WASH services are necessary for all individuals, women and girls have specific hygiene needs, especially women who are menstruating. A lack of access to sanitary products and disposal facilities is a major obstacle for Haitian women. Young girls will often miss school when they are menstruating meaning many girls will spend around 25% of their time OUT of school. This leads to many Haitian girls dropping out entirely.

At Haiti Outreach, we work to address gender inequality by ensuring that each committee we collaborate with is 50% women, giving them a voice in decision-making. We believe women are key to sustainable development, supporting girls' education, healthcare, and gender equity. Happy International Women's Day to all the women fighting for equality.