Gender inequality and safe water

Water is a resource that is fundamental to achieving sustainable development. As a human right, the right to safe drinking water and improved sanitation is pivotal for realizing other human rights, such as the rights to life and dignity and to adequate food and housing as well as the right to health and well-being (WWAP, 2016). Global and regional water-related frameworks, such as the 1977 United Nations Water Conference at Mar del Plata, the International Drinking Water and Sanitation Decade (1981—1990) and the 1992 International Conference on Water and Environment have recognized the importance of involving both women and men in the management of water and sanitation. The latter explicitly recognized the central role of women in the provision, management and safeguarding of water. It continued with Agenda 21, the Millennium Declaration and the MDGs and the International Decade for Action, with the theme “Water is Life” (2005–2015), which called for women’s participation and involvement in water-related development efforts.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Gender Equality