Gendered Climate Change-Induced Domestic Water Challenges: Exploring the Plight of Women and Girls Linked to Water Challenges in Ward 32 of Buhera District, Zimbabwe

Climate change-induced domestic water challenges have been a threat to human rights fundamentals and a barrier towards attainment of the sustainable development goals. Apart from that, in African traditional societies, these challenges often come with gendered impacts where women tend to be more affected due to their socially accepted gender roles. This study focused on exploring the plight of women and girls related to water challenges in Ward 32 of Buhera District, Zimbabwe. A qualitative approach was utilized and data were collected from a sample of 10 girls and 10 women using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Findings of the study reviewed that women often participate in travelling long distances up to 3 kilometres to fetch domestic water during the period when wells in their homesteads dry up. The study utilized people who collect water from two common community boreholes (Nyoka and Maneta community boreholes) and confirmed that most women travel long distances to access these water points. Findings also revealed that women are physically and verbally abused at water points by muscular counterparts, endure musculoskeletal ailments like back pain and leg pain as well as suffering reduced personal hygiene particularly during their menstruation when they need water the most. It was thus, recommended that addressing water crises caused by climate change is a positive step towards addressing the gendered plight of women and girls in marginalized communities.