A new report released by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on behalf of UN-Water has highlighted a critical but often overlooked dimension of the global water crisis — gender inequality. The findings reveal that despite years of progress in water access and sanitation, women and girls continue to bear a disproportionate burden.

According to the latest United Nations World Water Development Report, women are responsible for collecting water in more than 70% of rural households that lack basic water services. This daily responsibility, often involving long and physically demanding journeys, consumes valuable time that could otherwise be used for education, employment, or personal development.

Invisible Burden on Women and Girls

Across many developing regions, the task of water collection falls almost entirely on women and girls due to entrenched social norms. The report underscores that this unpaid labor not only affects their physical well-being but also limits their opportunities for economic growth and education.

Globally, women and girls collectively spend hundreds of millions of hours each day fetching water. This unequal responsibility reinforces cycles of poverty and restricts their participation in public life.

Exclusion from Decision-Making

Despite being at the center of water collection and usage, women remain significantly underrepresented in water governance and leadership roles. The report highlights that their voices are often missing in key decisions related to water management, infrastructure development, and policy-making.

This lack of representation weakens the effectiveness of water systems, as policies fail to reflect the real needs of those most affected. Experts emphasize that including women in water governance leads to better outcomes for entire communities.

Climate Change Worsening the Crisis

The report also connects gender inequality with the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures and increasing water scarcity are placing additional pressure on already vulnerable populations, especially women.

In many regions, climate-related water shortages force women to travel longer distances, increasing risks to their safety and reducing time available for income-generating activities.

A Call for Inclusive Solutions

The report calls for urgent action to address gender disparities in water access and management. It stresses the need for policies that ensure equal participation of women in leadership roles and decision-making processes.

Global initiatives such as World Water Day 2026 are focusing on the theme of gender equality, highlighting that sustainable water solutions cannot be achieved without empowering women.

The Way Forward

The United Nations emphasizes that achieving universal access to safe water and sanitation — a key goal under Sustainable Development Goal 6 — requires a gender-inclusive approach. When women are empowered and included, communities experience improved health, stronger economies, and better resource management.

The message from the report is clear: solving the global water crisis is not just about infrastructure or technology — it is equally about equality, inclusion, and recognizing the critical role women play in sustaining life.