Access to water

Access to water is a major issue for people all over the world

• Water collection is a major part of daily life for many women in the world today

Time spent collecting water is one of the main reasons for girls miss school

Lack of water affects the ability of many families to grow crops for food or to sell

Lack of income affects the ability of families to improve their lives

Lack of water and polluted supplies affects the health of children, and adds to infant mortality

The production of cash crops like cotton and tobacco make big demands on water supplies for local people.

Discussion points – post role play

• What would it be like for your (real) family if you had to do this every day?

• Would all of you share the task – or would some take the main responsibility?

• Is our MEDC lifestyle in connected to water supply in less LECDs?

• What other points did your group discuss?