Latin America and the Caribbean - Regional Perspectives.
Water is essential for domestic and caregiving tasks. In Latin America and the Caribbean, these responsibilities fall predominantly on women, and are typically unpaid and unrecognized. Despite global and regional commitments to gender equality and sustainable development, water governance in the region continues to reflect deep structural inequalities. Women and girls – particularly in rural, Indigenous and low-income communities – bear a disproportionate burden of water-related responsibilities , which can restrict their access to education, employment and leadership opportunities. In 2014, in Panama, 63% of the households with the lowest incomes relied on women to fetch water, compared to only 30% in the wealthiest households. In addition, the lack of adequate sanitation facilities can expose women and girls to health risks and violence, including physical and sexual assaults when they travel long distances to collect water. In the region, 25% of schools lack basic drinking w...