World Water Day 2026 | Water Governance through a Human Rights Lens: Advancing Equality for Women and Girls

With 2.1 billion people still lacking safely managed drinking water and women and girls spending an estimated 250 million hours daily collecting water, over three times more than men and boys, the global water crisis remains deeply unequal. Yet only 27% of countries have achieved gender objectives in their water management frameworks, and women remain vastly underrepresented in decision-making structures.

In a new blog published on the Human Rights Here platform, four Geneva Water Hub colleagues examine why these inequalities persist and what must change. Their analysis makes a central argument: unequal water access is not a technical gap but a structural and political failure, one that is further compounded by armed conflict, where water infrastructure is increasingly targeted, and by climate change, which disproportionately affects women and girls.

The evidence, however, points to a clear path forward. From Central Asia to Yemen, women's meaningful participation in water governance has strengthened institutions, improved cooperation and produced more durable peace outcomes. The authors call for a human rights-based approach grounded in non-discrimination and accountability, and outline four priorities: ensuring genuine participation of women at all levels of governance, shifting investment priorities, elevating water within the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and closing gender data gaps.

As they conclude: "Water does not generate peace merely by flowing; it generates peace when governed with justice, accountability, and inclusion."

📎 Read the full analysis:
Water Governance through a Human Rights Lens: Advancing Equality for Women and Girls — Human Rights Here

Authors: Tadesse Kebebew, Caroline Pellaton, Erik A. Schnetzler and Mara Tignino (Geneva Water Hub)