The WASH imperative - Part 2 | Empowering women through WASH innovations

Limited access to clean water and sanitation disproportionately affects women and girls, reinforcing deep-rooted gender inequalities. Every day, millions of women spend hours collecting water, missing out on education and economic opportunities. Inadequate WASH facilities increase health risks, exposure to violence, and social stigma, particularly for adolescent girls. Investing in gender-inclusive WASH solutions can empower communities, improve livelihoods, and drive long-term sustainable change.

The hidden cost of water

Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) play a critical role in gender equality, yet limited access to clean water and sanitation disproportionately affects women and girls, reinforcing existing inequalities. In many regions, women bear the responsibility of water collection, a time-consuming task that often prevents them from pursuing education or income-generating activities. In fact, globally, women spend a collective 200 million hours each day collecting water, according to UNICEF. This lost time could be invested in education, economic activities, or personal development.

Additionally, inadequate sanitation facilities in schools and workplaces create significant challenges, particularly for adolescent girls who often face stigma or drop out due to the lack of proper hygiene resources. Studies show that one in three schools worldwide lacks adequate sanitation facilities, directly affecting the attendance and retention rates of girls, particularly during menstruation (WHO/UNICEF JMP). This issue extends beyond schools—workplaces without proper sanitation lead to higher absenteeism among women, reducing their economic participation and limiting their career prospects.

A pathway to gender equity and social empowerment

Globally, women and girls continue to face systemic barriers that prevent them from leading safe and secure lives. In developing countries, many still struggle to access fundamental services such as healthcare and education. The lack of gender-sensitive infrastructure, especially in WASH, can have profound consequences on their well-being, economic prospects, and participation in society. Poor access to sanitation not only impacts health but also increases the risk of gender-based violence, as women and girls are often forced to travel long distances or use unsafe facilities. "Gender equality is the goal that will help abolish poverty, create more equal economies, fairer societies, and happier men, women, and children," said Graça Machel, founder of the Graça Machel Trust and member of The Elders.

Ensuring gender-inclusive WASH solutions is essential. Access to safe sanitation and hygiene facilities not only improves health outcomes but also empowers women to participate fully in economic and social life. Studies show that when women have a voice in water management and infrastructure planning, solutions are more sustainable and impactful (World Bank). In communities where women play a leadership role in WASH decision-making, projects are 6 to 7 times more effective in providing long-term, sustainable solutions. Furthermore, gender-inclusive policies in sanitation ensure that facilities are designed with safety and dignity in mind, reducing instances of harassment and gender-based violence.

Driving change for gender-inclusive wash

Achieving gender equality requires a collective effort—one that engages communities, policymakers, and industry leaders. Laith Abu-Taleb, the HeForShe Arabic Founder in Jordan, emphasises the role of public awareness campaigns in driving change: "A campaign to educate the public about the risks associated with water usage and the importance of WASH is essential. It should have a long-term vision and agenda to achieve stability in water resources."

Beyond awareness, strategic partnerships with decision-makers are crucial. Working with governments to implement gender-responsive policies ensures that WASH initiatives address the unique needs of women and girls. Sustainable WASH programs must prioritise education, infrastructure, and inclusive policy frameworks to create lasting change. From his work in Jordan’s refugee camps, Abu-Taleb highlights the daily struggles many women face: "If communities are built based on gender equality, it would make everyone’s life easier. Women and girls continue to face challenges just trying to access clean water and maintain basic hygiene. These struggles are tied to gender inequality—stereotypes and societal norms limit their freedom. But breaking down these barriers and giving them the choice to contribute fully could improve everyone’s lives."

For many refugee communities, the lack of gender-inclusive WASH facilities increases the risk of waterborne diseases, with women and children being the most vulnerable. In camps where sanitation facilities are unsafe or unavailable, 25% of women report facing harassment or violence when accessing water points or latrines (UNHCR). Creating safe and accessible WASH infrastructure is crucial to ensuring the dignity and safety of vulnerable populations.

Breaking the silence

Rascha Albaba Acosta, Investigation and Project Officer in the Department of European Projects at FUNDEA, highlights another crucial challenge: access to information: "Lack of access to information and materials is a significant issue. Many health concerns remain unspoken, especially when it comes to sensitive topics. In refugee camps, women often don’t perceive these issues as urgent until they are encouraged to discuss them."

Breaking the silence around gender-specific challenges is a key step toward progress. Open conversations, targeted education programs, and inclusive policy-making can help dismantle systemic barriers and create a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration, but a reality. In communities where menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is not discussed openly, more than 50% of adolescent girls lack access to the necessary resources and education to manage their periods safely (UNICEF). Providing women and girls with access to education, healthcare, and decision-making opportunities has far-reaching implications for social and economic development.

Juna Shrestha, Co-Founder of ClimateRE, emphasises: "WASH goes beyond simply providing water and sanitation—it’s about empowering individuals, particularly women and girls, by offering them choices and opportunities. Effective WASH initiatives foster creativity, drive innovative solutions, and promote economic empowerment, enabling meaningful change within communities and beyond."

Real change requires action. Governments, businesses, and communities must work together to implement policies that prioritise gender equality in WASH. Solutions must be locally driven, ensuring that the voices of women and girls are heard in every step of the process. Investing in WASH is not just a humanitarian necessity—it is an investment in the well-being and future of entire communities.

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