Gender, water and sanitation : a policy brief

This policy brief was developed by the Inter-agency Task Force on Gender and Water (GWTF), a sub-programme of both UN-WAter and the Interagency Network on Women and Gender Equality (IANWGE) in support of the International Decade for Action, “Water for Life” 2005-2015. It describes the current status of the involvement of women in the water field, the issues of particular concern and recommended areas for action. The recent increase in the number of women appointed as water and environment ministers is presented as an exiting trend which may provide an impetus to gender. In late 2005, there were 40 women ministers of water and environment, globally. Issues of particular concern remain : equitable access to water supply; equitable access to land rights and water for productive use; access to sanitation; capacity development; participation and equity in decision-making; protection of the resource base : indigenous perspective; resource mobilization; private sector participation, pricing and the right to water; water conflicts hazards and emergencies. These issues are illustrated with examples throughout the folder. Recommended areas for action to be taken on national and regional level are presented in a clear and concise manner. Background information about the Interagency Task Force and a list of the selected joined activities for 2005-2006 are also available.