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Benin, voorzitsters lokaal watercomité

Women driving change

June 24, 2026

Jeanine and Odette, two women from Benin who chair the drinking water committee in their village. (c) Join For Water

2025 Annual Report published

Join For Water’s 2025 Annual Report has been published, alongside the financial report. It pays particular attention to gender equality and the crucial role of women in sustainable water management. An inclusive approach is essential to tackling water challenges worldwide.

Women and girls are the hardest hit by water shortages worldwide. They are often responsible for collecting water, which comes at the expense of education and economic opportunities. The climate crisis further exacerbates this inequality: by 2050, women will, on average, spend even more time collecting water.

At the same time, women play a key role in finding solutions. Through their knowledge of local water sources and ecosystems, they actively contribute to sustainable and safe water infrastructure. That is why Join For Water is strongly committed to their participation in water committees and decision-making, including through training in management and leadership.

The figures from 2025 underscore this approach. More than 12,000 people gained access to drinking water closer to home and nearly 9,000 people took part in training programmes – with women as the main target group and driving force for change.

The impact of this gender-focused approach is growing. In countries such as Mali, Uganda and Benin, women are taking on active leadership roles, for example as ‘Women River Ambassadors’ or as chairs of local water committees. Their involvement leads to stronger, more sustainable solutions and fairer decision-making on water management.

A focus on gender is not a passing fad or merely a ‘nice-to-have’, but a cornerstone of effective water policy. By not only involving women but also empowering them, Join For Water is helping to build a future in which water is a right for everyone – by and for women.

Read the Annual and financial report 2025

Want to support even more people?

With your contribution, however big or small, Join For Water can continue its work. To provide even more people with access to drinking water. To involve even more women in water management. To protect even more wetlands and, in doing so, ensure a supply of drinking water, a healthy environment and sufficient biodiversity. Thank you very much.

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Burundi, inhulidiging latrines op school