In her remarks for World Water Day 2026, UNICEF Executive Catherine Russell highlighted the urgent global water crisis, especially its impact on girls. She points out that many girls worldwide wake up early to fetch water, leading to missed educational opportunities. The lack of access to clean water jeopardizes their health and safety, particularly during menstruation, which can result in girls dropping out of school. Russell underscores that the global water issue is intrinsically a children's crisis, greatly affecting young girls.

Russell further elaborates on the close relationship between water access and gender equality, stating that when water systems fail, it leads to a failure in progress toward equality. She notes that girls are disproportionately impacted by the crisis, spending hours daily on water collection instead of attending school and learning. This systemic issue not only limits their educational opportunities but also affects their overall health and future prospects.

As the world observes World Water Day, Russell calls for a renewed focus on enhancing water access, particularly for girls, to ensure their health, education, and protection. Highlighting these issues serves as a reminder that investment in water systems is paramount for achieving gender equality and enabling children's potential worldwide.