Understanding the Impacts of Climate-driven Urban Water Insecurities on Women in Nepal

Faculty Mentors

Dr. Robert Dongol and Dr. Sapana Lohani

Student Researchers

Lauren Nash '26, Majors: Government and Environmental Science
Cecilia (CeCe) Sturman '26, Major: Integrative Conservation; Minor: Psychology

Project Description

W&M and Nepali students are exploring women's perspectives on the impacts of climate change on water security in Kathmandu Nepal.

Climate change is impacting the access and availability of water resources for many global communities, potentially creating conflicts, disparities, and vulnerability for many communities. In Nepal, many people dependent on the local water sources face difficulties in getting water access due to gender disparities in resource allocation.

In Nepal, climate-driven changes in water resources have forced local communities to rely on groundwater for their domestic requirements due to the lack of a water supply network.  This has resulted in major water-related conflicts between local communities and commercial water extractors, posing a substantial threat to public health, particularly to women. Commercial water extractors have been unscientifically extracting groundwater in areas with potential for groundwater, endangering the local livelihood by limiting their access to water resources.

In 2025, W&M and Nepali students investigated the conflicting issues on water sources from a gender lens, needed to develop regulatory mechanisms for both extraction and sustainable water resource management to ensure climate resilience of local communities in Nepal. The research highlighted the importance of engaging local community voices and women in decision-making regarding water use and resilience.

Project ID - Format

25-007-25 - CRP Year