By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Women in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Advocacy Network (WinWASH) has voiced concerns over the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, particularly women and children.
As part of its statement to mark World Climate Change and Green Economy Week, WinWASH highlighted how climate change is worsening water scarcity, disrupting sanitation systems, and increasing health risks, with the hardest-hit areas being marginalised regions.
The group emphasised the need for gender-responsive climate action, noting that women, especially in rural areas, are often at the frontline of water collection, sanitation management, and community health efforts.
“Women’s critical roles in these areas must be recognised and amplified as part of the global response to climate change,” the statement read. WinWASH called for a green economy transition that not only focuses on environmental sustainability but also promotes social justice by empowering women to take leadership in climate resilience initiatives.
The group outlined key recommendations, urging governments, development partners, NGOs, and private sector actors to invest in climate-resilient WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) infrastructure to ensure access to clean water and safe sanitation.