From health to education, access to clean water is shaping the future of women—and the UN wants faster action now.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is calling on women worldwide to lead efforts in accelerating progress on water and sanitation, stressing their key role in driving equality.
In his message marking World Water Day, Guterres highlighted this year’s theme—“Water and Gender Equality: Where water flows, equality grows”—as a push for stronger, rights-based solutions led by women.
He noted that lack of access to clean water and sanitation disproportionately affects women and girls, forcing many to rely on unsafe facilities, care for sick family members, and spend hours fetching water—often at the expense of education and opportunities.
Guterres said water should not be a source of conflict but a tool for unity and peace, urging governments to increase investment in water systems, improve infrastructure, and strengthen service delivery.
He also called on developed nations to support with technology, funding, and expertise to ensure sustainable access for all.
His message is clear: empowering women in water management can unlock broader equality and healthier communities worldwide.
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