Text: Genesis 1:27; Proverbs 31:16 ; Isaiah 58:10–11 ReflectionIn this season of Lent — a time of reflection, renewal, and renewed commitment to justice — we are invited to look more deeply at the interwoven realities of women and men, agriculture, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene). These elements constitute not only the technical components of development, they are lived experiences shaped through relationships, power, dignity, and faith. In the holistic vision of integral human development, every person is seen as embodied, relational, and called to flourish in community and creation. However, for many women farmers around the world, unequal land rights and inadequate WASH infrastructure perpetuate cycles of exclusion, vulnerability, and environmental degradation. An Unequal Terrain: Land Rights and Environmental Injustice Around the globe, women contribute significantly to food production, especially in rural contexts. Unfortunately, they often lack secure rights to the land they cultivate. Without land ownership, women struggle to access credit, make long-term investments in soil health, adopt climate-resilient practices, or participate fully in agricultural planning and markets. At the same time, inadequate WASH infrastructure — distant water points, unsanitary latrines, and lack of clean water, compounds these disadvantages, forcing women and girls to walk long distances, compromising their safety, time, and health. This convergence of insecure land tenure and poor WASH services is greater than an economic challenge. It is an injustice rooted in unequal relations between women and men and in environmental degradation, undermining human dignity and the well-being of communities. Women’s time is diverted from economic activities and education and, additionally, their bodies are put at risk. Without safe water, soil, and sanitation—the land itself, God’s gift entrusted to all—suffers erosion, contamination, and degradation. Faith in Action: Anchoring the Principle of Integral Human Development The teachings of our faith provide a moral compass to navigate these intertwined injustices: - The Dignity of the Human Person: At the heart of the teachings of the church is the conviction that every human being is created in the image of God, made for community and to flourish (Genesis 1:27). Unequal land rights and lack of water infrastructure deny women their full humanity and agency, undermining their capacity to thrive and to contribute to the common good.
- Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable: This principle calls communities to prioritize the needs of those who are most marginalized. Women farmers without secure land or access to clean water are disproportionately vulnerable, while playing the role of key stewards of their families and ecosystems. To stand with them is to honor a Gospel call to justice that lifts the least and invites structural change.
Scripture further illuminates our understanding of human dignity and the right relationship with creation. Proverbs 31:16 “She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard.”
This image disrupts stereotypes. Here is a woman who assesses land, makes an investment, and cultivates life. In contexts where women’s land rights are restricted, this verse reminds us that women are rightful stewards of the earth, capable of economic decision-making and vital contributors to the flourishing of their households and communities. Isaiah 58:10–11 “If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness… and your wounds shall be quickly healed.”
This passage connects justice with tangible care — feeding the hungry, aiding the afflicted, ensuring that communities have what they need to thrive. Clean water, secure land, and hygienic living conditions should not be thought of as luxuries but essentials for life that reflect God’s compassionate justice. Questions for Reflection - How do my daily choices, and those of my community, uphold the dignity of women farmers and respect their rights to land, water, and participation?
(Where might I be called to change policies, practices, or assumptions that marginalize others?) - In what ways can my faith community become a stronger advocate for just access to land and water, not only through charity, but through structural transformation?
(Who within and beyond our community needs a voice at the table, and how can we accompany them?)
ActionIn this Lenten season, we are invited not only to reflect but to act. Presented here, are two practical ideas for individual and community engagement. 1. Advocate for Equitable Land Rights for Women and Men- Learn and share about how land tenure systems affect women farmers in your region and globally.
- Support local and national policy reforms that strengthen women’s legal rights to land ownership and inheritance.
2. Promote and Support WASH Improvements in Rural Communities- Educate your community about the importance of inclusive WASH design, ensuring that water collection points and latrines are safe, accessible, and dignified for women and girls.
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