Water literacy for conservation: insights from women in Palakkad, Kerala

This study aimed to assess water literacy among women in the Palakkad district of Kerala and to identify the factors influencing it. The findings reveal a clear gap between women’s high levels of knowledge and awareness and their actual water-related behavior. Although women have strong intentions to perform a behavior, these intentions often failed to translate into practice due to socio-environmental constraints. These constraints play a crucial role in influencing behavioral outcomes. Domestic water use is largely collective in nature; effective water conservation requires collective action. Meaningful behavioral outcomes depend on shared commitment, removing socio-environmental barriers, strengthening skills and abilities.