Photo 1. Female Peacekeeper overseeing water supply in Chad. Source: Our Secure Future, accessed October 2024
Blog by Euphresia Luseka, co-lead of the RWSN Leave No-one Behind theme.
The UN WWDR 2026 shall serve as a vital resource, illustrating how global trends and phenomena are reshaping gender dynamics in societies around the world. The interplay between conflict, migration, and gender equity in WASH reveals stark realities. In regions afflicted by conflict and instability, women’s safety and access to essential services are severely compromised.
A poignant testimony from a woman in Gaza encapsulates this struggle: “We [women] cannot meet our simplest and most basic needs: eating well, drinking safe water, accessing a toilet, having sanitary pads, taking a shower, changing our clothes.”
The plight of women in conflict zones is further exacerbated by migration. Women and girls face an increased risk of sexual and gender-based violence during conflicts. Yet, amid these challenges, women remain indispensable agents of change—actively participating in peace-building, conflict resolution, and post-conflict reconstruction. This resilience highlights the need to recognize and harness women’s potential for positive transformation in their communities.
Migration and its intersection and climate change also alters traditional gender roles and expectations, as families adapt to new environments; it presents opportunities for economic independence and education, empowering them to challenge restrictive gender norms. Still Migrant women often encounter exploitation, discrimination, and limited access to resources, underscoring the urgent need to address these barriers.
Corruption emerges as another formidable barrier to WASH and gender equity. It restricts women’s access to essential services and undermines their participation in leadership and decision-making processes, as demonstrated in weaponisation of water. U.N. Women has called for urgent action to protect Sudanese women and girls, emphasizing the need for accountability in addressing high levels of sexual violence and exploitation. “We cannot let Sudan become a forgotten crisis,” asserts U.N. Women’s Addou, highlighting the critical necessity for action in conflict-affected regions.
On my blog on Diversity in Water sector leadership I emphasise the concerning underrepresentation of women. A World Bank report highlights that less than 18% of the workforce in water utilities are women and that two-thirds of sanitation leaders are white according to a FLUSH LLC publication that I co-authored. This systemic inequity reflects deeper societal structures, suggesting that without diverse leadership, the water sector risks stagnation and failure in meeting SDG6 targets.
Additionally, income disparities continue to perpetuate gender inequalities globally. Despite ongoing efforts, women face persistent obstacles in achieving equal pay for equal work. The gender pay gap remains a significant challenge, restricting women’s economic empowerment and perpetuating systemic inequalities. Initiatives aimed at implementing pay equity legislation and promoting workplace diversity are essential for fostering a more equitable society where all individuals can thrive.
Climate change exacerbates these disparities, disproportionately affecting women due to their roles as caregivers, demonstrating the intersectionality between gender and environmental issues. Globalization, while offering opportunities for the spread of feminist ideologies, also presents challenges by reinforcing existing labour market inequalities.
The Anticipated Impact of the UN WWDR 2026 In Advancing Gender Issues In WASH
Picture a world where water flows freely. Where every woman has access to WASH as a right, not a privilege. The UN WWDR 2026 shall guide us toward this vision. The UN WWDR 2026 is poised to be a transformative force in advancing gender issues within WASH sector by not only highlighting the importance of women’s involvement but also fundamentally reframing the conversation around WASH management. By harnessing the power of data—often referred to as the “new gold”—the report will deliver critical, evidence-based insights that empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, thereby fostering an environment conducive to effective policymaking.
It shall advocate for policies grounded in solid evidence, ensuring they are equitable and effective, and underscores the necessity of collaboration among nations and organizations to pool knowledge and resources. It’s a clarion call, urging stakeholders to champion policies that empower rather than exclude. This unity in diversity will drive sustainable and innovative solutions, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond WASH management to alleviate poverty, enhance economic productivity, and promote health and well-being. Further the report sets the stage for a sustainable future by encouraging long-term strategies that prioritise not only economic viability but also social justice and environmental integrity—an essential reminder that resource allocation must prioritize the needs and contributions of women, who often bear the burden of inadequate WASH access.
The report shall serve as an empowering testament to the resilience and strength of women worldwide, amplifying their voices while validating their integral roles in WASH management and their fundamental right to safe, affordable, and accessible WASH. As we move towards this pivotal moment in 2026, it is clear that the anticipated impact of the report extends far beyond advocacy; it sets a transformative agenda that has the potential to redefine the landscape of WASH, ensuring that gender equity is not just an aspiration, but a reality.
It’s a long journey but the direction is clear with opportunities. By advocating gender mainstreaming, offering pragmatic policy recommendations, and monitoring progress, we can disrupt the status quo. Let’s remember the upcoming report’s insightful analysis and case studies that shall serve as catalysts for increased investment in education, capacity development, and gender-sensitive governance structures. As we elevate WASH and gender discourse, we also secure a sustainable and equitable future for all. Let’s embrace this journey toward transformative change.
Rural Water Supply Network - blog 