Water management must be inclusive
MALI – On the banks or islands of the Niger River in Bamako lives the Bozo community, an ethnic group that mainly lives off fishing. One of these places is Toukoroba 1. Here, too, women are responsible for daily water management. They fetch water, irrigate crops and prepare food. But despite this crucial role, they are rarely involved in decisions about water, land and natural resources. Join For Water is working to change this.
At the end of November 2025, Join For Water Mali organised a large-scale awareness day in Toukoroba 1. Nearly a hundred participants – women, men and young people – came together to gain a better understanding of women’s rights when it comes to water management and dealing with climate change.
The participants learned about
- the right to water and land,
- the right to information,
- the right to participate in decision-making,
- and the impact of climate change on their livelihoods.
Sketches showed in an accessible way how essential women’s voices are in certain decision-making processes, such as the construction of a water point in the village.
The women farmers, who had previously received training in cultivation techniques, also received kits for growing crops in bags, containing seeds, bags and basic materials. This method of growing vegetables enables them to increase their income, contribute to food security and ensure sustainable water management.
The day ended in a warm, festive atmosphere with singing, dancing and the song Badioliba, sung by children praising the protection of the Niger.
“I want to become a messenger for other women”
Fanta Niagaté is a female leader in the community and dreams of a community in which every woman, regardless of age or position, knows her rights and dares to defend them.
“I have learned that access to water, land and participation in decision-making are fundamental rights. Ignoring these rights hinders development and reinforces discrimination. Now that I know these rights exist, I will not hesitate to address our local authorities.”
Ina Sereta works as a cleaner and wants to inspire and motivate other women farmers to learn about their rights and defend them. Thanks to the cultivation kits, she can start the growing season again and contribute to her community’s food security. She also wants to play a more active role in the fight against climate change.
“I have learned that women have a right to drinking water, but that this is not enough. We must also be involved in its management, because we use this water every day.”
Women must also be architects of change
At Join For Water, we believe that sustainable water security is only possible when everyone, including women, is involved in decision-making.
When women have access to information, education and a say, water management becomes more sustainable, fairer and more resilient.
On International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment: women should not only be beneficiaries of water projects, but also architects and leaders of change.
With the support of
