Women in WASH Advocacy Network Pushes for Gender Equality in Ghana’s Water and Sanitation Sector
Accra, Ghana – A coalition of women leaders in Ghana’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector has launched a bold initiative to mainstream gender in WASH policies and programs, addressing the significant disparities in access to these essential services.
At the maiden WASH Forum held in Accra, Nora Ollennu, founder of the Women in WASH Advocacy Network, emphasized the need for gender-inclusive approaches to tackle the inequalities faced by women and girls in accessing clean water, decent sanitation facilities, and practicing good hygiene.
Citing the 2021 Population and Housing Census, Ollennu revealed that despite Ghana’s progress, many communities still lack access to WASH services, disproportionately affecting women and girls who trek long distances in search of water.
The Women in WASH Advocacy Network aims to lead high-level discussions on gender-inclusive policies, intensify mainstreaming of women-friendly sanitation and hygiene facilities, and build partnerships with stakeholders prioritizing gender equality.
Ollennu urged collaborative efforts to achieve equal access to WASH facilities, better WASH systems, and a future where access to proper WASH is a reality for all.
