Gender & SDG 6: The Critical Connection - A Framing Paper for the High-Level Panel on Water

Sustainable Development Goal 6 to “ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all” requires explicit attention to gender equality and social inclusion. Universal access to safely managed water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and appropriate management of water resources will only be achieved if the rights of women and marginalised peoples are fulfilled. The human right to water and sanitation, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), call for the inclusion of all, equal rights for women, and the elimination of discrimination between people based on their age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. It also requires attention to multiple dimensions of discrimination, or “intersectionality”. The integrated SDGs present a timely opportunity for all actors, at all levels, to explicitly address gender discrimination and inequality, and to proactively facilitate women’s voice, participation and empowerment. As explored in this Framing Paper prepared for the Global Water Partnership, Goal 6 and the High-Level Panel on Water Action Plan can significantly contribute to gender equality in both water resources management and WASH. By doing so, they will contribute to more sustainable and effective water management outcomes for all people, while decreasing the inequalities prevalent in many societies.

Available for Download

Report