There are two things that I learned about this whilst working in developing countries. Firstly, queuing for water is often made into a social thing for women and when there are lots of them then males will avoid the task as they do not feel part of the activity. Secondly, if you introduce an element of technology (if only a bicycle) into the task then boys will participate but they still don't want to join a queue of females. The boys will also look for opportunities to sell water and thus make a business opportunity of it.
Published by Peter Styles, Independent - Consultant (retired)
3 Comments
Good observations. However, queuing may not be necessary except for social purposes if the government's start prioritising drinking water in their agenda. It will reduce substantial time wasted in collecting water from a distant source.
Published by UDAY PRASAD, Entrepreneur, co-founder Equigate
Thank u for sharing your experience, is really helpful for those, including me, who don't know the reality in other continents.
Published by Dámare Araya
Appreciate your comments Peter Styles ... this is precisely our experience in the field. Interestingly enough, the Hippo Roller offers that element of technology that appeals to men and boys ... and we have seen more of them participate in the process of collecting water. But it is still primarily the task of women and children.
Published by Darren Smith, Enterprise Sales & Retention at Mobenzi