Globally, rural women rely heavily on water resources to sustain their livelihoods. However, water scarcity presents significant socio-economic challenges, particularly in rural contexts where liveli-hoods are closely tied to natural resources. In South Africa, water scarcity disproportionately im-pacts women due to their gendered roles in water collection, household management, and subsistence farming. This paper examines the gendered dimensions of water scarcity through the theoretical lens of Feminist Political Ecology, highlighting the intersections of gender, power relations, and access to resources in rural communities. Drawing from existing literature, the study investigates how socio-cultural norms, policy frameworks, and environmental degradation collectively shape women’s ex-periences and adaptive strategies in response to water scarcity. The analysis reveals that women often face intensified labour burdens, diminished income opportunities, and increased exposure to health risks as a result of water-related challenges. Additionally, systemic inequities in water gov-ernance structures limit women's agency and participation in decision-making processes, thereby reinforcing their marginalization. In response, the paper recommends the development of gender-sensitive water infrastructure, including the establishment of localized and secure water access points to alleviate both physical and emotional burdens on women. Moreover, it advocates for institutional reforms that promote the active and meaningful inclusion of women in water governance, ensuring that their voices are central to policy and planning processes.
Mubecua et al. (Tue,) studied this question.