“Praxising” Water

Throughout this semester we have learned of many different ways environmental degradation and lack of resources has effected women and their advancement in society. For the Praxis Assignment I am choosing to focus on the water crisis that makes being a women in the Global South very difficult. The water crisis does stop at not having access to a clean water supply, but because of the lack of water supply women are oftentimes put in physical danger. Women and girls have the role of fetching water and this can put them in danger by leaving them vulnerable to physical attack, women and girls also have sex specific sanitation needs, and not paying attention to the water crisis is also an equality issue.

With the job of water collection falling mostly on women and girls, and these journeys are oftentimes made on foot, their physical safety is put at risk during these long journeys. But it does not stop there. Many women and girls’ education opportunities are impacted negatively, because of their requirement to collect water they are excluded from earning an income and obtaining an education. Public toilets and restrooms also put women and girls at risk for physical and sexual assault.

“Lack of safely managed water and sanitation is an equality issue. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by poor water, sanitation and hygiene services and facilities. However, their voices and needs are often absent in the design and implementation of improvements, thereby ensuring their continued marginalization.” https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-and-gender

The water crisis has also effected the United States, as we can see in Flint, Michigan. According to CBS Detroit, Flint Michigan is still living with the effects of the water crisis nearly 9 years after it began. According to the latest testing Flint’s lead levels in their water has risen since 2021, but still remain under levels that would allow federal government intervention. Courts have ruled in favor of a $626 million civil settlement, but residents want lasting change and be able to trust their water supply that it is safe for drinking, cooking, and bathing.  https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/michigan-still-dealing-with-fallout-from-flint-water-crisis-9-years-later/  

For my Praxis initiative, I am focusing on the water crisis and education of how we take clean water for granted, especially in the United States. For the next two weeks I am going to drink only water and only use sustainable containers and straws. For example, reusable cups and bottles and stainless steel straws. By consuming only water I will be able to see its effects on my body and think about what others make lack due to lack of clean water supply. Also, by eliminating drinks such as soda, juice, tea etc. this will show me just how much I take clean drinking water for granted. I will work to educate myself and others on the value that clean water has on our lives and developing more of an understanding on what it would be like to not have clean water at my disposal.

In addition, to show more of a physical commitment,  I will replace my ankle weights that I use when walking by dog with carrying two gallon jugs of water. While this action may seem small, I will focus on creating a mindset of solidarity. Through this action, I will create conversation with my neighbors on the physical and mental effects the water crisis within the Global South has on women and girls. As our introduction to this assignment stated, “for feminists, the personal is political” – I take activism very personally, because I believe that if we can place ourselves personally in the injustices, to the best of our ability, that is where lasting change begins.

Action begin with conversation and conversation begins with identifying the injustices on the world.