WCoZ Raises Alarm Over Zimbabwe’s Escalating Water Crisis

The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) has expressed urgent concerns about the nation’s worsening water crisis, which has been intensified by an El Niño-induced drought.

In a recent statement, WCoZ called on the government and local authorities to implement immediate measures, criticizing the delay in activating contingency plans as the crisis unfolded. The organization highlighted that the water shortage has disproportionately impacted women and girls, increasing their burden of unpaid domestic work as they are forced to travel long distances to collect water. This situation exposes them to risks of exploitation, including sexual and financial abuse at public water points.

WCoZ emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive contingency plan, increased investment in water infrastructure, and greater representation of women in water management decision-making. The organization also urged the government to provide emergency water relief to vulnerable communities, particularly women-headed households.