Women and girls suffer first when droughts hit poor and rural areas, says UN

The UN world water development report found that women and girls are often responsible for water collection – and water access is a key issue in the conflict in Gaza. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

Women and girls are the first to suffer when drought strikes poor and rural areas, and water strategies around the world must reflect this, the UN has said in a plea to countries to mend conflicts over water resources.

Stress on water resources, which is being exacerbated by the climate crisis, as well as overuse and pollution of the world’s freshwater systems, is a large source of conflict, according to the latest UN world water development report.