Session FT 3.12 Safe, accessible, private and nearby : making
services work for women -- the key to meeting the MDG water and
sanitation target - The Earth Institute: Columbia University -
UNDP Administrator United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) -
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) - United
Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) - Interagency Gender and Water
Task Force (UN/DESA) Equitable access to water and sanitation is
vital to women, as in most cultures they are primarily
responsible for the use and management of water resources and
sanitation facilities as well as health care at the household
level. Women’s voices are often unheard, however, and they end
up with no choice about the type and location of services they
receive. Thus, the facilities are often unavailable or
inappropriate to meet their needs. Daily water collection is
time consuming and a burden for women. It often exposes women to
the threat of violence. Attacks against women by men or wild
animals may occur when they a