What You Need to Know
International Water Day was celebrated in Asmara, Eritrea, focusing on the theme of gender equality in water access. Minister Tesfay Gebreselassie emphasized the challenges faced by women and children in rural areas, while UNICEF’s Deputy Representative highlighted the importance of equitable water access for social progress. The event featured documentaries on women’s contributions to water and a
Africa-Press – Eritrea. International Water Day, 22 March, was observed in Asmara at the national level under the theme “Water and Gender Equality – Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.”
In his keynote address, Mr. Tesfay Gebreselassie, Minister of Water, Land and Environment, said that in rural areas of developing countries, unjust social traditions compel women and children to shoulder the time-consuming, energy-draining, and health-hazardous daily task of collecting water and fetching it from distant sources to their households.
Minister Tesfay went on to say that the condition of many women and children in rural Eritrea has not been different from that in many developing countries.
Underlining that a firm conviction and understanding of the importance of rights- and equity-based water management strategy and development are critical in securing access to safe water, as well as improved hygiene and sanitation, the Eritrean Government has been working hard to address the challenges. Sustainable efforts have been made toward water management, the establishment of improved water supply systems in rural areas, water and soil conservation, and the protection of water sources from pollution.
To relieve women and children of the arduous daily task of collecting and fetching water, Minister Tesfay said that special efforts have also been made to adopt low-cost, reliable, and easy-to-operate water supply systems equipped with solar-powered pumps.
Mr. Hassen Belkadhy, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Eritrea, on his part said that this year’s theme, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” speaks directly to Eritrea’s longstanding commitment to equitable development. Access to safe and reliable water is not only a basic human right; it is also a foundation for health, productivity, and social progress.
Mr. Mebrahtu Eyasu, Director General of Water at the Ministry of Water, Land and Environment, said that although encouraging progress is being registered in Eritrea in water supply and sanitation, there is still a need for stronger efforts, taking into consideration the rights of women.
At the event, two documentary films focusing on the role and contribution of Eritrean women in ensuring water supply and water management, as well as on water and gender equality and reliable water supply, were presented.
International Water Day, established by the United Nations, is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources. In Eritrea, the day serves as a platform to address the challenges faced by women and children in accessing water, particularly in rural areas where traditional practices often burden them with the responsibility of water collection. The Eritrean government has been making strides in improving water supply systems and promoting gender equality in water management, recognizing that access to safe water is crucial for health and development.
