Celebrate World Water Day: Join the webinar organised by the African WASH Media Network and AfWASA
Background and Rationale
On the occasion of World Water Day 2026, the WASH Journalists Network of the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) is organizing a webinar dedicated to the close links between access to water, sanitation, and gender equality.
Theme: “Where water flow, equality grows”
Date: March 24, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. GMT
Format: Online
In many parts of Africa, women and girls still bear a disproportionate burden resulting from inadequate access to safe drinking water and secure sanitation services. In many cases, the daily collection of water requires several hours, to the detriment of girls’ education, women’s economic empowerment, their health, their safety, and, more broadly, their full participation in social and productive life.
In this context, ensuring equitable, safe, and sustainable access to water and sanitation is a critical lever for reducing inequalities, improving living conditions, and accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, which calls for universal access to water and sanitation.
This webinar aims to provide a space for dialogue and reflection among experts, researchers, institutional stakeholders, young professionals, and the general public, in order to examine persistent challenges, share relevant experiences, and identify concrete solutions for a more inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive WASH sector.
2. General Objective
To raise awareness among stakeholders of the interactions between water, sanitation, and gender equality, while promoting inclusive and transformative approaches within the WASH sector.
3. Specific Objectives
The webinar aims to:
- highlight the differentiated impacts of inadequate access to water and sanitation on women and girls;
- promote the effective participation and leadership of women in the governance and management of the WASH sector;
- encourage the engagement of youth, students, and researchers on issues related to water, sanitation, and equality;
- identify action pathways, concrete solutions, and partnerships that can accelerate equitable and sustainable access to water and sanitation in Africa.
4. Target Audience
The webinar is intended in particular for:
- professionals in the water and sanitation sector;
- public decision-makers and institutional representatives;
- technical and financial partners;
- civil society organizations;
- researchers and academics;
- students, particularly in the fields of engineering, environment, journalism, and development;
- specialized journalists and communication professionals.
