The blog post discusses the critical yet often ignored intersection of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and water access. It highlights that around 500 million women and girls globally lack adequate facilities, clean water, or sanitary products for MHM. The blog highlights a recent community WASH survey in Pakistan revealed that nearly 40% of women face challenges managing their periods due to water-related issues, leading to stress. Integrating MHM into water-related programs can enhance the well-being and dignity of women and girls, improve health outcomes and increase educational opportunities – further supporting the need to incorporate gender and inclusion considerations into water policies and programs.
The blog post discusses the critical yet often ignored intersection of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and water access. It highlights that around 500 million women and girls globally lack adequate facilities, clean water, or sanitary products for MHM. The blog highlights a recent community WASH survey in Pakistan revealed that nearly 40% of women face challenges managing their periods due to water-related issues, leading to stress. Integrating MHM into water-related programs can enhance the well-being and dignity of women and girls, improve health outcomes and increase educational opportunities – further supporting the need to incorporate gender and inclusion considerations into water policies and programs.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 calls for ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, but decades of misuse and poor management have exacerbated water insecurity, reducing water justice for women and girls. This report assesses progress on gender equality in SDG 6 and its 11 indicators – none of which are gender-specific. It concludes with action-oriented recommendations that seek to ensure governments and other stakeholders drive national and local transformative changes for the well-being and prosperity of present and future generations.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 calls for ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, but decades of misuse and poor management have exacerbated water insecurity, reducing water justice for women and girls. This report assesses progress on gender equality in SDG 6 and its 11 indicators – none of which are gender-specific. It concludes with action-oriented recommendations that seek to ensure governments and other stakeholders drive national and local transformative changes for the well-being and prosperity of present and future generations.
Despite evidence of women's expertise in managing water, energy, food, and the environment (WEFE), the literature largely overlooks gender issues and women remain underrepresented in WEFE professions and leadership. This paper examines barriers to their exclusion in Nepal and identifies pathways to greater equity. Based on interviews with 65 professionals across government, civil society, and NGOs, along with a roundtable discussion with 20 women professionals, the authors analyze power dynamics using Gaventa’s (2006) power cube framework. While women have entered WEFE sectors, "hidden" and "invisible" power structures continue to limit their influence and decision-making. The authors argue that addressing power dynamics is essential to enhancing women's leadership in WEFE governance.
Using case studies from South Asian and Pacific countries, especially in regards to poor gender-friendliness of public toilets, this report contains guidance on using principles of gender and social inclusion in public WASH facilities. It provides recommendations and checklists to help development practitioners better design projects. The report stresses that the public facilities should be accessible, safe, and accommodate diverse needs of women and suggest involving local communities in design and maintenance to ensure inclusivity.
Despite evidence of women's expertise in managing water, energy, food, and the environment (WEFE), the literature largely overlooks gender issues and women remain underrepresented in WEFE professions and leadership. This paper examines barriers to their exclusion in Nepal and identifies pathways to greater equity. Based on interviews with 65 professionals across government, civil society, and NGOs, along with a roundtable discussion with 20 women professionals, the authors analyze power dynamics using Gaventa’s (2006) power cube framework. While women have entered WEFE sectors, "hidden" and "invisible" power structures continue to limit their influence and decision-making. The authors argue that addressing power dynamics is essential to enhancing women's leadership in WEFE governance.
Using case studies from South Asian and Pacific countries, especially in regards to poor gender-friendliness of public toilets, this report contains guidance on using principles of gender and social inclusion in public WASH facilities. It provides recommendations and checklists to help development practitioners better design projects. The report stresses that the public facilities should be accessible, safe, and accommodate diverse needs of women and suggest involving local communities in design and maintenance to ensure inclusivity.
Using case studies from South Asian and Pacific countries, especially in regards to poor gender-friendliness of public toilets, this report contains guidance on using principles of gender and social inclusion in public WASH facilities. It provides recommendations and checklists to help development practitioners better design projects. The report stresses that the public facilities should be accessible, safe, and accommodate diverse needs of women and suggest involving local communities in design and maintenance to ensure inclusivity.
