Water is essential for life. At a time when the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, water is a particularly precious resource.
Women and girls often have less access to safe water and hygiene because inequalities shape daily life. In many communities, women and girls are responsible for collecting water, cleaning, cooking, and caring for family members.
When water points are far away or unsafe, they spend more time walking, often in danger and with less time for school, paid work, or rest.
This is not only a technical problem; it is a question of justice, gender, and power. Women are often less involved in local decision-making, so their needs are overlooked when water systems are planned. Poverty, conflict, displacement, and climate change make the situation even worse. In emergencies, women and girls are often the first to lose safe access to clean water, soap, and sanitary materials.
In many of our social and development ministries, our sisters and lay collaborators work to change this niequality by supporting education, empowerment, and community-based action. Through schools, social projects, and advocacy, we help girls and women gain knowledge, confidence, and leadership. Where possible, we support climate action to combat desertification and drought and support safe and dignified access to water, sanitation, and hygiene in communities, schools, and mission projects.
In the spirit of Mary Ward, we stand for justice, freedom, and the equal dignity of all people. That means not only responding to immediate needs, but also challenging the deeper causes of inequality. Ensuring climate action as well as safe water and hygiene for women is part of this wider mission: to protect life, restore dignity, and help build a fairer world for everyone.
Find out more about our worldwide commitment by activating the story telling tool:
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