IWD: WSA Africa seeks stronger action on water, sanitation for women
The Permanent Observer Mission of the Pan African Intergovernmental Agency on Water and Sanitation for Africa (WSA Africa) to the United Nations has called for stronger collaboration to expand women’s
The Permanent Observer Mission of the Pan African Intergovernmental Agency on Water and Sanitation for Africa (WSA Africa) to the United Nations has called for stronger collaboration to expand women’s access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services across the continent.
In a statement to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, WSA Africa said millions of women and girls on the continent still shoulder the greatest burden of inadequate water and sanitation systems, often walking long distances to fetch water and missing school because of poor sanitation facilities.
The agency noted that the situation exposes women and girls to health risks, violence, and economic exclusion, describing the challenges as not only development issues but also matters of gender justice.
WSA Africa stressed that access to clean water and safe sanitation is fundamental to achieving gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adding that without such services, women cannot fully participate in education, leadership, entrepreneurship, and public life.
To address the challenge, the agency highlighted WATERHer, a gender-responsive, science-based initiative aimed at transforming water and sanitation systems by placing African women and girls at the centre of decision-making.
According to the statement, the initiative promotes gender-responsive WASH policies, community-driven models that strengthen women’s leadership in water governance, and inclusive sanitation systems that protect dignity and reduce gender-based vulnerabilities.
It also focuses on building the capacity of women as engineers, technicians, educators, and decision-makers in the water and sanitation sector.
WSA Africa urged member states, United Nations agencies, development partners, and civil society groups to strengthen collaboration in advancing gender-responsive WASH solutions across Africa.
“The future of Africa’s development depends on ensuring that every woman and girl has access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services that protect her health, expand her opportunities, and uphold her rights,” the agency said.
Reaffirming its commitment, WSA Africa said empowering women through improved water and sanitation access would strengthen communities and accelerate development across the continent.
“When women have water, women have power. When women have sanitation, women have dignity. When women lead, communities thrive,” said Dr. Nabhit Kapur.