Paper long abstract:

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of water insecurity on the girl child in Zimbabwe. Water insecurity refers to the unavailability of a reliable source of water, of appropriate quality and quantity to meet the needs of the local human population and environment. The study was carried out in Gimboki, a semi urban settlement in Mutare, Zimbabwe, following preliminary observations of serious shortages of water. To answer the question, what are the effects of water insecurity on the girl child in Gimboki? , the study employed a mixed methods approach using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Questionnaires and semi structured interviews were administered to girls aged between 15 and 18, who are residents of Gimboki and enrolled at Nyamauru High School in Dangamvura, Mutare. Consent was sought from the Head of Nyamauru High school before the interviews and questionnaires were carried out. The study was also carried out using key informant interviews with representatives from organizations working in the area to find out how stakeholders were responding to the problem of water insecurity in Gimboki. The findings from the study indicated that there are serious water shortages which affect the human security and human rights of the girl child in Gimboki. Data collected was categorized into themes including menstrual, education, health and gender insecurities. Recommendations included; construction of more boreholes near houses to reduce the distance walked by girls in search of water, financing of sustainable solar powered water projects to deliver clean and safe water closer to homes and empowering girls to demand for their rights to water and sanitation.