The Gendered Burden of Water Scarcity: Climate Change, Socio-economic Effects, and Community-Based Solutions for Young Women in Sikalenge Ward, Binga, Zimbabwe

Department of Development Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Lupane State University, Lupane, Zimbabwe
Email: knowledgebalakhulu@gmail.com (K.K.); princemathe10@gmail.com (P.M.); mukulilibambile@gmail.com (L.M.)
*Corresponding author
Manuscript received June 11, 2025; accepted September 27, 2025; published November 26, 2025

Abstract—Climate change poses a significant threat to global water security, with disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations, particularly young girls and women in low-income and marginalized communities. A qualitative study was conducted on this research to unearth the challenges faced by women and young girls. The findings indicate that climate change affects water availability and accessibility for young girls and women, highlighting the social, economic, and health implications of these changes. The socio-economic aspects of climate-induced water scarcity cannot be ignored. Research has shown that in areas affected by water scarcity, girls prioritize water collection over formal education, which results in a significant drop in school attendance. Diarrhoeal diseases, cholera, and other waterborne illnesses disproportionately affect women and children, who are already more vulnerable due to limited access to healthcare. In many cultures, fetching water is intertwined with traditional gender roles, placing an undue burden on women and girls. Adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on water access must prioritize the needs and voices of women and girls. Community-based initiatives that promote rainwater harvesting, water conservation techniques, and improved sanitation infrastructure can empower women while enhancing resilience. Additionally, policies aimed at addressing climate change should incorporate gender-sensitive approaches, ensuring that women are included in decision-making processes related to water management and resource allocation. Education and awareness-raising programs can help challenge harmful gender norms and reduce the burden placed on women and girls in water-scarce environments. Water availability is being drastically altered by climate change, which has serious consequences for women and young girls everywhere. Understanding the intricate relationships that exist between social injustice, environmental deterioration, and public health will help us create focused solutions that will protect the rights and welfare of this susceptible group. Governments, international organizations, local communities, and civil society must all work together to address these issues.

Keywords—climate change, water scarcity, young women introduction

Cite: Knowledge Khumalo, Prince Mathe, and Libambile Mukuli, "The Gendered Burden of Water Scarcity: Climate Change, Socio-economic Effects, and Community-Based Solutions for Young Women in Sikalenge Ward, Binga, Zimbabwe," International Journal of Sustainability in Energy and Environment, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 89-94, 2025.

Copyright © 2025 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited ( CC-BY-4.0).