Collective water transport for domestic use (Benin)

Women collect water at a fountain in a public square. Two of them are carrying their children (9 months and 1½ years old) on their backs, which means that in addition to the 16 kilos they have on their heads, they also have to bear the 9 and 11.5 kg of their respective children.

In 2015, 72% of rural populations and 85% of city populations in Benin had drinking water, but this did not reach many homes, so women had to continue fetching water. The situation is much worse for adequate toilets which are only available to 10% of the rural population and 42% in cities.

Photo, José F. de Blas