Circumspect

Peter and Pichon discuss the motivations behind iStandAbove, their current projects and what the future holds.

You can complete the subheading above however you want, but one thing is clear: water is essential to life. And I'm not just saying that to sound cliche and go along with the "Water is Life" saying. It really is life. 

Science: Let's go back to the formation of the solar system. The main element that distinguishes our Earth from the other planets in the solar system is the presence of liquid water. If not for water, you, I and every living creature - plants included - on this earth wouldn't exist, period. 

Theology: According to the Holy Bible (Genesis 1:6) God created (liquid) water on the second day, only after he created light - which could be interpreted as establishing his presence, since many religions refer to God as "the light". 

In Surah 11:7 (Prophet Hood), the Holy Qu'ran states the presence of water before anything else in the universe, with the exception of Allah's throne (presence). In Surah 21:30 (The Prophets) it emphasizes the fact that life wouldn't be possible without water .  

This topic is a controversial one in numerous circles. On the one hand, water existed before any of us came into being, so technically, nobody should be dictating who can or cannot have access to water. On the other hand, like all resources, water needs to be managed effectively in order to ensure equal access and use. While some think this should be in the hands of the government, others believe private corporations will manage it more effectively.

Whatever the case, our current situations are far from the ideal. An estimated 1 billion people - mainly in developing countries - lack access to water. Although 70% of the earth is covered with water, and the most advanced technology can make undrinkable water consumable, climate change (global warming especially), environmental degradation and so on are threatening the world's water bodies. Result: the already scarce element is on the verge of even more scarcity. Some experts have already dubbed it "The Water Wars".

The scary thing about being denied a right for so long is that we begin to think that not having that right is the norm. I'm certain most Ghanaians have experienced the water situation in Ghana to some degree. Whether you're the richest man on the block or the shoe shine boy across the street, you have either seen or experienced the dire circumstances in Ghana when it comes to water. Until summer 2008, I was conditioned to not having access to water. As far as I knew, it was normal. Sometimes you have water, other times you don't. And when you don't, everything else comes second place. But do you realize that this is rather the absurdity? 

In summer 2008 I participated in an institute and I literally saw the blinds open when I realized this fact. Looking back at my life in Ghana, I saw how the water issue was not only a nuisance, but a deterrent for economic productivity. I decided to focus my economic development seminar paper on privatization in Ghana. After conducting the necessary research and writing the paper, I was fuming mad. Bit by bit, Ghana let go of something it should have conserved and managed for both the current and future populations. Unfortunately, with the privatization of the Ghana Water and Sewerage Corporation, things have only gone downhill. 

I won't bore you guys with the details of my findings. If you're so inclined, you can read the entire research paper here. Instead, let's talk about a few reasons why the Ghanaian government should redouble its efforts to ensure water access and in so doing, turn our economy around.

Health, Sanitation & Nutrition: Water comes into play in all areas of health and nutrition. In order to grow food, water is needed. In order to cook, water is needed. In order to eat, water is needed (washing your hands before eating). In the long run, water helps provide the body with the necessary nutrients which in turn keeps an individual healthy. Should someone fall sick, water is needed to keep their fever down, keep them hydrated (especially in the hot African sun!), keep them in good sanitary conditions, have them take their medicines and so on. A healthy, clean and well-fed populace = a healthy + more productive work force. Enough said.

Education: As fate would have it, the water crisis in Ghana tends to hit just as senior high school students are preparing for the big SSSCE. There have been many instances (too many!) where students have to go home as their respective educational institution cannot provide for their water needs. Without the right amount and type of water, the incidence of diseases (cholera anyone?) is high. As anybody knows, studying at home is practically next to impossible -- unless you're just disciplined like that. Such disruptions in student educational schedules not only plays on their psyche, but could potentially affect their future and ours (Ghana's). Personally, I definitely know I skipped many a 'prep-session' because we had to go in search of water. More access to affordable water = more time for studying and developing human capital (Ghana's most valuable resource).

Electricity/Power: The water issue in Ghana is closely linked to the "lights off" situation. It is quite sad that Ghana is still running on a plant built about 50 years ago for a population way less than the current one. This is where Ghana's leadership has failed seriously. Sure, there are talks about adding the Weija and Bui Dams to the Akosombo Dam in order to generate electricity and what-not, but for heavens sake, when shall we actually see these 'plans' come to fruition. I cannot believe it has even taken us this long. As far as I'm concerned, the president/ government that finally solves Ghana's water and electricity situation will go down as one of the best - if not the best - in my book. Anyway, better water management + access = increased hydroelectricity = increased productivity (through the use of technology especially). 

Human Rights: Women and girls suffer disproportionally when it comes to the water crisis as they are the ones who go hours in search of this essential element. Making the necessary investments in equal access to potable water is an investment in human rights.

The Earth 2100 project points out that if the world were to end due to climate change, the developed world wouldn't notice until they try opening their taps one morning without retrieving a single drop. Even if our government(s) aren't putting the right policies in place, there are some simple things we as global citizens can do to help conserve water and increase awareness about the issues. In addition to doing little things like turning off the tap when brushing my teeth - or better yet, using a cup - I'm working on "The Water Chronicles" - a series of short stories aimed at depicting the struggles and nuances of lack of water access. 

With each of us chipping in, we can help turn this absurdity around. Not sure where to start? Share this blog post with friends, family, acquaintances and let's awaken ourselves to reality!

Also:

- Check out posts from other members of the Ghanablogging team for World Water Day.

- Read this Forbes article for further insight, and do share your tips for conserving water.

- Discover more facts about water at Water.org.

- See what others are doing via the official World Water Day site.

"Happy" World Water Day and let's keep our lifeline (water) going!

Photo Source: Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4, Photo 5, Photo 6

Growing Up...Against the "Norm"
Going with the norm, I probably shouldn't be here. I should probably be married by now, maybe onto my second, third, or even fourth child. I shouldn't be living alone, miles away from my parents and family. Heck, how dare I make certain "important" decisions on my own without consulting a man. Going with the norm, there are countless things I shouldn't be able to do, say or think. But thanks to Allah, I grew up against the norm.

Both my parents are educated and educationists, so the question of whether or not I or my sisters should go to school never arose. There were four of us, with my brother smack in the middle and me being the eldest. I realize quite often that having the kind of parents I do is an immense blessing. Some people barely know their parents or even if they do, they don't have the necessary parental support.

Having my parents support me in whatever venture I decide to pursue has helped build up my confidence and self-esteem. And yes, I think it is perfectly okay to acknowledge one's confidence. My dad tells me I was always quite adventurous, and now that I think about it, my willingness to try new things and to keep an open mind is because of my upbringing. My parents taught me to roll with the punches, make lemonade from lemons and learn from experiences. I was also quite the tomboy...for a while. And even now, I don't consider myself a "girly girl".

For most of my early school years, I had mummy right there with me. In school and sometimes in class. She taught English, Social Studies and Religious and Moral Education. I felt it was my "moral obligation" to excel in those subjects if nothing else. Hence, even though I was in a co-ed school for my elementary and junior high school education, I never actually felt threatened by the boys in my class. Quite the contrary, I thrived on the competition and was actually quite disappointed to find that college lacked that competitive edge. One vivid image I have of my mum is during an inter-section football (soccer) match at Alsyd. I was goalkeeping, it was a penalty shoot-out and she was right there on the sidelines cheering me on in what was/is a male-dominated sport.

After JSS, my dad signed me up to a Cisco Networking Course. I was the youngest in the class. And the only girl. Most of my classmates were university students or young professionals. But even then, I never really felt threatened. The issue of seniority is a big deal in Ghana and many African countries. When it comes to seniority between genders in my ethnic group, it's even more complex. As a young woman, you not only have to be 'respectful' to seniors, but even to boys your own age. Being in the kind of classroom setup I was in taught me how to grant my respect to people who earn it. People who go out of their way to prove their unworthiness get my civility and nothing more - ok, maybe the occasional benefit of the doubt.

There are many more childhood experiences that have shaped me into the woman I am today, but these are just some of the ones that came to mind immediately.

I Love Being a Woman!
I've often wondered what it would be like to be a guy. But come to think of it, I'm glad I came out a girl. Being a woman is the most amazing experience ever. Not like I have any other to compare it to lol. But for real, I love being a woman. I love getting dressed up or slacking in that department, because I feel like it. It's exhilarating to know that one day I'll have the honor of carrying a little child in my arms and helping him or her along this course called life. I enjoy being complex and not having to stick to just one identity. Most importantly, I love interacting with, hearing about and seeing the quiet strength of women. Whether it's listening to a sister talk about her struggles and crying with her, working from dawn till dusk to feed a husband and child, or even risking one's very identity as a woman and speaking against injustices, life as a woman is very inspirational. I know more amazing women that I could have ever imagined meeting and although this is a belated post, you are all amazing individuals. For your inner beauty, your silent fortitude, your sensitivity and your intelligence. For being exactly who you are: a woman.

What I Didn't Say
So you see, I didn't tell you that a woman's issues are everyone's issues. Take away the 'wo', replace it with 'hu' and you'll see for yourself that even the word "wo[hu]man" proves the point. That would have been going the "feminism" route.

I got that email yesterday ago. A day after I received some really "harsh" feedback from my supervisor concerning an article I'd written. It's not easy hearing people critique your work, especially when you think that a piece of work is at its best. But take the pointers down I did. And then when I came home and read the above message, I figured I'd give the article rewrite a shot today.

Like everybody else, writers have good days and bad days. On a good day, you sit at a computer and the words flow out on their own accord. On a bad day, you sit at a computer and a sentence flows out every 30 minutes or so. Today, I sat at my computer and only got TWO sensible-enough sentences the ENTIRE eight hours I sat there! TWO! That has NEVER happened to me before.