Vanishing rivers: Water crisis impacts women’s lives in southern Angola
The river has stopped flowing in Giraul, a village in Angola’s southern province of Namibe.
In a desperate attempt to collect water for their families amid prolonged drought, women are digging boreholes in the soil, but it comes with deep risks. Cholera outbreaks have been reported in the area due to contaminated water. Clean water is also essential for safe childbirth and maternal and newborn health.
As leaders convene at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil to accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis, the women and girls of southern Angola illustrate the consequences of inaction.
We visited three locations in the Namibe region – Giraul, Bibala and Tômbwa – to meet women and girls who are impacted by the drought and are receiving support from UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency.
A river once ran through
“Drinking this water gives us stomachaches and headaches, but we have no choice. We cannot live without water.”
“My father told me that back in the 1940s, the river used to overflow with water. Now, villagers dig into the dry riverbed to collect what little remains.”
Livelihoods in jeopardy
Increased childbirth risks
Clean water is essential during childbirth – without it, the risk of infection increases. Birthing equipment must be properly cleaned, and new mothers need safe water for bathing.
“Because the nearest maternity hospital is far, I gave birth at home with the help of a traditional birth attendant from the village. Since there is no water in this village, we have to go to the river to fetch it. Carrying heavy buckets of water, especially before and after giving birth, is physically exhausting and very difficult.”
“I ask the women to collect water – which usually comes from the river – and have it ready at home before labour begins.”
Supporting women and girls
Angola has a young population and high rates of child marriage and teenage pregnancy, and many girls don’t complete their education. All of these issues are compounded by climate crises.
UNFPA and partners are delivering youth programmes that help pregnant adolescents get the care and support they need and stay in school. UNFPA is also training midwives to help women deliver safely. UNICEF and the World Food Programme are working with the Government of Angola to manage drought and provide water and food support to the region.
“In order to change society, it’s essential to first know and understand yourself. You can’t choose where you were born, but you can choose your future."
The climate crisis is not gender neutral, and it is increasing risks for women and girls. Yet only 2.3 per cent of climate finance is dedicated to improving gender equality, according to the International Institute for Environment and Development. Increased investment and action are urgent – to both reduce emissions and mitigate damage for women and girls on the front line of the crisis.
Not a drop to waste and no time to spare. Action on the climate crisis is already coming too late for many women and girls in Angola and around the world. Commitments must turn into tangible support to build climate-resilient health and protection services now.
