Guterres: Access to Safe Water Is Vital for Women’s Rights

Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, stated in a message on World Water Day that access to safe water is essential for protecting the rights, dignity, and health of women and girls. He urged governments to take urgent and concrete actions to improve water supply and sanitation services.

According to him, in areas where water and sanitation services are inadequate, women and girls bear the greatest burden. Many are forced to rely on unsafe facilities, care for family members suffering from waterborne diseases, and spend hours fetching water. This situation deprives numerous girls of education and personal development opportunities.

Referencing this year’s theme, “Where water flows, equality grows,” Guterres emphasized that improving access to water can play a decisive role in advancing gender equality. He added that investment in water networks and sanitation systems must increase, and service delivery should be strengthened sustainably.

The UN Secretary-General also underscored the importance of meaningful participation of women in decision-making processes related to water management to effectively meet the real needs of communities. He called on developed countries to collaborate by sharing technology, expertise, and financial resources to build resilient infrastructure.

Guterres warned that water scarcity can be a source of tension and conflict, but it also holds the potential to enhance cooperation and peace. He concluded, “Let us together turn water into a force for gender equality.”