Abuja: A coalition, Dedicated Women Action and Advocacy for Rural and Urban Water Hygiene and Sanitation Support in Nigeria, has emphasized the crucial role women play in achieving sustainable development in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector. The President of the group, Mrs. Cordelia Agbo, highlighted this during a two-day training event themed ‘Empowering Women Executives in the WASH Sector’.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Agbo underscored the growing threat of water scarcity, which is pressuring states to ensure water security for both human and economic development. She emphasized that water is an indispensable resource, driving health, hygiene, agriculture, energy, and transport. Conversely, its scarcity hampers development and undermines community well-being.

Mrs. Agbo pointed out that women and children often bear the burden of fetching water for households, a task that limits educational and productive opportunities, especially for young girls. She advocated for giving women a stronger voice in decision-making and leadership in water management to enhance sustainability in the sector.

Participants of the training were encouraged to return to their respective utilities to work towards establishing state chapters of the coalition. Chapters have already been inaugurated in the FCT, Enugu, Ogun, Imo, Niger, Taraba, Kaduna, and Delta states.

Mr. Francis Umemezie, the Focal Person of the Africa Water Supply and Sanitation Association, noted that equipping women with leadership tools is essential for stronger governance and improved service delivery. He also mentioned the World Bank’s commitment to supporting inclusive transformation in the sector, emphasizing that diversity in leadership promotes innovation and balanced decision-making.

Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the Ministry of Water Resources, stated that women are central to water management, hygiene practices, and community health. Represented by Mrs. Ayaba Kogbara, Deputy Director of Hygiene Promotion, she highlighted that 69 percent of Nigerian households rely on women and girls to fetch water, often under challenging conditions. Despite this, women remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces where policies and investments are made.

Mr. Dubagari Abisabo, President of the Nigeria Water Supply Association, expressed that the training is a significant step towards empowering women leaders to drive sustainable change in their communities. Gender specialist Mrs. Mary Mbakpa reiterated that addressing Nigeria’s water crisis is impossible without incorporating women’s voices.

Ms. Felicia Ngaji-Usibe, National Secretary of the coalition, explained that the training aimed to strengthen leadership confidence and decision-making skills among women executives in the WASH sector.