Who fetches the water? Gendered experiences of household water collection among children in Ghana

ABSTRACT Graphical abstract showing gendered patterns in children's household water fetching and pathways for change. This study examined gendered patterns of children's participation in household water fetching in Ghana, applying Gender Role Theory as an interpretive lens. Using a nationally representative sample of 5,024 children aged 8–17 years, the research employed a mixed-method design. The quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained from focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Results revealed that more girls (63.1%) fetched water at home than boys (51.2%) (p ≤ 0.001). The qualitative findings indicated that some children, especially boys, did not fetch water for several reasons, including limited access to household water facilities, parental reliance on vendors, health-related constraints, and entrenched socio-cultural beliefs that frame water fetching as a female responsibility. Children's views on whether water fetching should be shared were mixed: while many advocated equal participation, cultural norms and peer pressure discouraged boys from taking on the water fetching task. The findings underscore the persistence of gendered divisions of labour in children's domestic responsibilities, reinforcing broader patterns of inequality. However, evidence of shifting perceptions among some children highlights opportunities for change. The study concludes that addressing gender norms through education, community sensitisation, and media engagement can promote more equitable sharing of household responsibilities.