World Water Day: Easy access key for girls’ education, women’s empowerment, says First Lady

She said this is critical to unlocking opportunities for girls to remain in school and women to pursue livelihoods and ensure improvement in the overall health of families.

In her message for the commemoration of this year’s World Water Day, marked on March 22, Mrs. Tinubu noted that access to water goes beyond a basic necessity.

The First Lady described it as a powerful driver of social and economic transformation, particularly for women and girls.

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Speaking against the backdrop of this year’s theme: “Water and Gender,” and the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” Mrs. Tinubu highlighted the disproportionate burden faced by women and girls in many communities, where they are primarily responsible for sourcing water.

According to her, the task often requires long and exhausting journeys to distant streams and water sources, a situation she noted comes at a high cost to their education, health, and economic potential.

“When we ensure safe, clean, and accessible water, we do more than quench thirst; we open doors for girls to stay in school, for women to pursue livelihoods, and for families to live healthier lives,” Senator Tinubu said.

The First Lady stressed that addressing water access challenges is essential to advancing gender equity and inclusive development in Nigeria.

She said the link between water, sanitation, and gender equality remained undeniable.

Mrs. Tinubu called for sustained collaboration among government institutions, development partners, communities and other stakeholders to expand access to clean water and sanitation facilities across the country.

“Let us work together to ensure that where water flows in Nigeria, equity truly grows,” she stated.