Since 1993 the global community has been observing every year on March 22 the World Water Day (WWD) focusing attention on the importance of fresh water and advocating for sustainable management of water resources. A core focus of WWD is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation for all by 2030. Since women and girls are disproportionately affected by water-related challenges due to entrenched gender roles, inadequate infrastructure, under representation, etc., the WWD 2026 calls for a rights-based approach where women have equal voice, leadership and opportunities for water decision making.

Thus, the theme of WWD 2026 is “Water and Gender Equality”. The role of women in water governance was initially considered in 1992 at the International Dublin (Ireland) Global Conference. Principle 3 of the Dublin Statement establishes that women play a central part in the provision, management and safeguarding of water and therefore, positive policies need to be adopted not only to address the specific needs of women with respect to water, but also to empower them to participate at all levels of the water resources programme, including decision making and implementation. It was also observed that although in households, women are primary providers of water resources, around the world, they are rarely involved in water management.

Even today the world is still far from achieving gender equality in water and sanitation. These challenges are now exacerbated by the consequences of climate change. As water scarcity, heat waves and droughts are now common, women and girls walk greater distances to fetch water. In many cases this can affect girls’ chances for being enrolled in schools. A study shows that a one-hour time reduction in water collection can increase girls’ enrolment in educational institutions. Ensuring safe and widespread access to WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) for women and girls contributes to gender equality and their inclusion in society.

Until recently menstrual hygiene was completely overlooked in water and sanitation places, excluding women and girls in public life. During this time girls miss school, and women are sometimes forced to stay at home affecting their employment. Thus, we generally risk the 2030 SDG Agenda, as access to water and sanitation are human rights. When families are unable to enjoy their rights, their health is immensely affected, curtailing their education and employment opportunities and denying their full role in society. The SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and........

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