Actively engaging women is helping solve the global water crisis

Abstract

Water For People’s programs strive to improve the quality of life for Everyone – every family, clinic, and school – Forever. However, women and girls are disproportionately affected by lack of access to safe water and adequate sanitation. This is due to having to spend time fetching water, looking for a toilet, or caring for sick family members instead of going to school and working. Actively striving for gender parity in community planning and decision-making brings a more holistic view to water and sanitation and encourages more women to become community leaders and water professionals. In Water For People’s experience, the active participation of women increases understanding of community water and sanitation issues and enhances solutions to help end the global water crisis.