Unequal burden: water privatisation and women's human rights in Tanzania

Abstract

Access to water is a critical component in advancing the human rights of women. Although privatisation of water services continues to be pushed by donors such as The World Bank, the available information shows that privatisations are not increasing access to water for poor women. This paper examines the human right to water and why this right is critical for women and girls. It then discusses privatisation, and the tension between contractual obligations and respect for human rights. Finally, it explores some strategies and successes from women's involvement in the struggle against water privatisation in Tanzania.

Keywords:

• water
• privatisation
• Tanzania
• women
• human rights
• equality

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rebecca Brown

Rebecca Brown coordinates the Adjudication of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR) and Women and ESCR working groups with the International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR-Net). Prior to joining ESCR-Net she focused on the human right to water at the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and has worked with the Women's Environment and Development Organization (WEDO)