By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone has joined the global community to commemorate World Water Day 2026 under the theme “Water and Gender Where water flows equality grows,” with a national event scheduled for Monday 23 March at the Miatta Conference Center in Freetown.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, comes at a time when the country is making steady progress in improving access to safe water and sanitation services. Ongoing reforms and increased investments in the sector are helping to expand coverage, strengthen infrastructure, and enhance service delivery across both urban and rural communities.
Key initiatives such as the WASHIT program and the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project have played an important role in addressing longstanding challenges in the water sector. Working in collaboration with development partners including the World Bank, the African Development Bank, UNICEF, and several water and sanitation organizations, the government continues to improve water systems and reduce losses linked to inefficient distribution.
Despite these gains, access to water and sanitation remains a pressing concern, particularly for women and girls. In many parts of Sierra Leone, especially in rural areas, they continue to bear the primary responsibility for water collection, often traveling long distances to secure safe water for their households.
This year’s theme draws attention to the link between water access and gender equality, highlighting the need for inclusive solutions that address the specific challenges faced by women. Authorities say the national campaign will focus on promoting gender responsive approaches to water management while encouraging greater participation of women in leadership roles within the sector.
Officials emphasized that ensuring equal access to water is not only a matter of convenience but also one of health, dignity, and economic opportunity. Improved sanitation systems and reliable water supply are expected to reduce disease, support livelihoods, and enhance the overall wellbeing of communities.
The national commemoration will feature a range of activities, including a formal ceremony, stakeholder presentations, and public awareness campaigns. A keynote address by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation is also expected to outline government priorities and reaffirm commitment to achieving sustainable water access for all citizens.
Discussions during the event will focus on reducing inequalities in water access for domestic and economic use, improving sanitation standards, and strengthening community involvement in water governance. Particular attention will be given to empowering women as decision makers, engineers, and key contributors to the sector.
The observance also aligns with broader global efforts that emphasize the importance of women in agriculture and resource management. By recognizing the role of women in water access and management, stakeholders aim to promote policies that support both gender inclusion and sustainable development.
As Sierra Leone moves forward with its National WASH Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2035, World Water Day serves as both a moment of reflection and a call to action. While progress has been made, authorities stress that more work is needed to ensure that every citizen has access to safe and reliable water.
The message from this year’s commemoration is clear that achieving water security and gender equality must go hand in hand if the country is to build a healthier and more inclusive future.
