By: Manal Bidar

Water is life, and the meaningful engagement of women and youth in water advocacy is not just beneficial—it is essential for sustainable development in Africa. Women and youth are often the most affected by water scarcity and poor sanitation, yet their voices are frequently marginalized in policy-making and implementation processes.

In many African communities, women are the primary water gatherers and managers. They bear the brunt of water scarcity, walking long distances to fetch water, often risking their health and safety. This daily struggle restricts their ability to engage in education, economic activities, and community leadership. By empowering women with the tools, resources, and platforms to influence water policies, we can transform these challenges into opportunities for development. Women’s unique experiences and insights are crucial for creating effective and sustainable water management solutions.

Africa has also the youngest population in the world, and its youth are a powerful force for change. Young people bring innovation, energy, and a fresh perspective to water advocacy. They are not just beneficiaries of sustainable development—they are essential partners in driving it forward. Engaging youth in water governance allows for the infusion of new ideas and technologies, fostering a culture of innovation and resilience.

The Power of Inclusion: Reflections from the 10th World Water Forum in Bali

At the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, we co-organized a pivotal session titled “Women & Youth Inclusion: A Pillar for Assuring Sustainable Development in the Water and Sanitation Sector” at the African Pavilion on May 24th. This event was a collaboration between the Water Youth Network, the African Union Commission, the African Ministers’ Council on Water, and African Renaissance. It brought together thought leaders and advocates to discuss the critical contributions of women and youth in the water sector.

The session featured speakers including as KidaneMariam Jembere from the African Union Commission, Emmanuel Uguru from the African Ministers’ Council on Water, Dr. Purity Njagi from African Renaissance, and myself, representing the Water Youth Network. We highlighted how essential it is to integrate women and youth into water governance frameworks actively. By sharing success stories, challenges, and strategies, we aimed to inspire a broader movement towards inclusive water management.

A Call to Action

The time for token gestures is over. We need meaningful, sustained engagement of women and youth in water advocacy. This means creating policies that recognize and address their unique challenges, investing in their education and empowerment, and providing platforms for their voices to be heard at all levels of decision-making.

Water is a shared resource, and its management requires the collective effort of all stakeholders. By including women and youth, we are not only ensuring a more equitable and just society, but we are also tapping into a wellspring of potential that can drive sustainable development for generations to come.

Join the Movement

As we look to the future, I urge everyone—policymakers, activists, and community members—to join us in championing the inclusion of women and youth in water advocacy. Together, we can build a future where everyone has access to clean water and sanitation, and where the voices of all are valued and heard.