Safe and accessible water is critical for a country’s successful economic development and for the health and well-being of its citizens. Ultimately, the journey to self-reliance cannot succeed without sustainable water resource management.
This baseline evaluation study was designed to collect up-to-date information across targeted communities on activities related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). This includes insights on WASH facilities, practices, demand for improvement, and women’s agency in decision making.
Addressing the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) needs of females is one of the key priorities for achieving gender equity. Women and girls often have the primary responsibility for managing household water and sanitation—a burden that presents health and safety risks and limits their opportunities for advancement. To address this challenge, USAID and Gap Inc.
USAID and Gap Inc. launched the Women + Water Alliance (W+W Alliance) in 2017 to improve and sustain the health and well-being of women and communities touched by the apparel industry in India.
Access to safe water and sanitation is essential for community health and well-being. In India, 163 million people lack access to improved water sources and 210 million lack access to improved sanitation. Over the next five years, this number is expected to increase as India faces a growing water and sanitation crisis. The Indian apparel industry–as one of the most intensive users of water–is a key player in ensuring sustainable access and stewardship of this precious resource.
Access to clean water is essential for community health and well-being, yet in India more than half the population faces high to extremely high water stress.[1]India is in the midst of a growing water crisis exacerbated by mismanagement and unsustainable use of water. The apparel industry — one of the largest and most intensive users of water — has a critical role to play to help stem the crisis as a steward for this resource.
Access to safe water and sanitation is essential for community health and well-being. In India, 163 million people lack access to improved water sources and 210 million lack access to improved sanitation. Over the next five years, this number is expected to increase as India finds itself in the midst of a growing water and sanitation crisis. The Indian apparel industry - as one of the most intensive users of water – is a critical player in ensuring sustainable access and stewardship of this critical resource.
Spearheaded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Gap Inc., a global apparel retailer that sources products from about 800 facilities in 30 countries, the Women + Water Alliance (W+W Alliance) is a public-private partnership. The alliance aims to improve the health and well-being of women and communities touched by the apparel value chain.
Access to clean water is essential for community health and well-being, yet in India more than half the population faces high to extremely high water stress. India is in the midst of a growing water crisis exacerbated by mismanagement and unsustainable use of water and the Indian apparel industry — one of the largest and most intensive users of water — has a critical role to play as a steward for this resource.
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