Do Socio-demographic Factors Influence Water-fetching Practices? Evidence from the Southwestern Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Abstract

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 aims to provide equitable access to safe and affordable water services. Yet, the lack of potable water in Bangladesh’s coastal region is a significant barrier to attaining this target. This study examines how socio-demographic factors influence water-fetching practices in coastal Bangladesh. Using a self-administered questionnaire, we surveyed 371 people from three vulnerable sub-districts, and the Chi-square test and a Multinomial Logistic Regression were utilized to explore significant factors affecting water-fetching practices. Findings show that water-fetching is typically considered a woman’s responsibility. Although three-quarters of the respondents stated that women usually collect water at home, most believe they should not be the only household member responsible for this task. Despite many initiatives, women are still left behind, resulting in inequities and gender injustices in their homes and society. Nonetheless, this study unfolds that water-fetching practices are biased and influenced by social and gender roles, where intensive attention is needed.