Women's Role and Challenges in Household Water Conservation: A Case of Rawalpindi City

Abstract

The world is facing an increasing water crisis and multiple water-related challenges, including a shortage of clean water, depleting underground water tables, and flooding during the rainy season. Research suggests that individual water conservation practices, rainwater harvesting at the household level, and the construction of water storage dams can help alleviate water crises. This study investigates the obstacles that inhibit the development of water conservation behavior among women. Using a qualitative research approach, we conducted 35 in-depth interviews with women from various socioeconomic backgrounds, educational levels, and age groups. The collected data were transcribed in English, and 70 open codes were compiled against eight major themes. Major themes identified from data analysis were lack of knowledge, threat of dengue, financial limitations, governmental responsibility, quality testing issues, perceived inadequacy of efforts, and a non-cooperative community. In line with the Feminist Political Ecology framework, the present study highlights contextual challenges in framing water conservation behavior of women in a patriarchal society where women, despite having the most important role in water use, lack access to basic facilities and resources to participate in conservation activities effectively. The study highlights the need to educate women about environmental and water crises. It suggests that policymakers and organizations should incorporate environmental issues into education curricula and launch awareness campaigns and positive and negative reinforcement strategies to promote water conservation behavior. This study supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 13 and helps identify indigenous factors affecting women's water conservation behavior.