World Water Day 2026: AfWASA and RAM-WASH organize a webinar on the theme “Water, a Source of Equality.”
On the occasion of World Water Day 2026, celebrated under the theme “Water, a Source of Equality,” the African Media Network for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (RAM-WASH), under the auspices of the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA), organized a high-level webinar on March 24 dedicated to the challenges and solutions for Africa.
Bringing together more than 200 participants from 33 countries, the event highlighted the deep inequalities in access to water and sanitation across the continent, which particularly affect women and girls. In many communities, they continue to bear a heavy burden related to water collection, to the detriment of their education, health, and economic empowerment.
Speakers unanimously emphasized that water can no longer be considered merely as a technical resource, but rather as a central issue of human dignity, social justice, and sustainable development. Despite the progress made, millions of Africans still lack equitable access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation services.
Discussions also underscored the need to transform sector approaches, shifting from an infrastructure-based logic to one focused on inclusive, impact-oriented service delivery. This notably requires better integration of gender considerations, strengthened governance, and financing mechanisms tailored to the most vulnerable populations.
Panelists stressed the essential role of women, calling for their active participation in governance and project implementation. They also highlighted the importance of innovation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building to accelerate progress.
At the end of the discussions, a strong message emerged: making water a true source of equality in Africa requires collective mobilization, increased investment, and inclusive public policies capable of ensuring universal and sustainable access to this essential service.
