Water is as essential to poverty alleviation and livelihoods, as it is to human dignity and health.

Today, almost half of the world’s workers – 1.5 Billion people – work in water related sectors and nearly all jobs depend on water and those that ensure its safe delivery. How many of these workers are recognized or protected by basic labour rights? How many of the workers have children depending on them for their wellbeing? How many are living in poverty?

 The theme in 2016 ,Water and Jobs — is focusing on how enough quantity and quality of water can change workers’ lives and livelihoods – and even transform societies and economies beyond poverty level, thereby eliminating child poverty in the long run.

Statistics Indicate that: 

• 2.3 Billion People in the world do not have access to adequate sanitation. That is, 1 in 3 people of the world’s population.
• 1 in 10 people, 783 Million people in the world lack access to safe water.
• Nearly 1 out 5 deaths of children under 5 years, is due to water related diseases.
• Over 315,000 children die every year from preventable diarrhoeal diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. That’s almost 900 children dying each day!
• Every year, around 60 Million children are born into homes without access to sanitation.
• 443 Million school days are lost each year due to water-related diseases.
• Girls under the age of 15 are twice as likely as boys to be the family member responsible for fetching water.
• Women and children spend 125 Million hours each day collecting water, worldwide
• Over half of the developing world’s primary schools do not have access to water and sanitation facilities. Without toilets, girls often drop out of school at puberty.
• Every $1 invested in water and sanitation provides a $4 economic return
• Just by investing in clean water alone, young people and children around the world can gain more than 413 Million days of health

We are celebrating the International Water Day, 22 March, as an opportunity to learn more about water related issues, and to take action for children affected by poverty and water scarcity. We would like to hear from you. Tell us how water has impacted the lives of children in your community. Join the conversation online #EndChildPoverty

 Statistics Courtesy of Water Aid, and The Water Project