Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria have issued a strong call to the Federal Government and African leaders to make women's inclusion a priority in water governance efforts. This statement comes as part of the observance of World Water Day, which is observed globally with the theme "Water and Gender" for 2026. The CSOs caution that Nigeria's ongoing water crisis cannot be effectively resolved without ensuring that water resources are managed in an inclusive and democratic manner, which recognizes the vital role women play in resource management.

The emphasis on gender and water governance highlights the interconnectedness between water access, gender equality, and public health. The statement, made by Help Initiative for Social Justice and Humanitarian Development's spokesperson Marv Nelson, underscores the reality that when women have equal access to water and a say in its management, entire communities benefit. This mirrors the global narrative recognized by organizations like UNICEF and UN Women, emphasizing that enhancing women's roles in water resource management can lead to improvements in local health outcomes and economic opportunities.

Moreover, the CSOs pointed out that in many regions, particularly in the Global South, women and girls are disproportionately burdened with the responsibility of accessing and managing water resources. This reality not only affects their health and well-being but also directly impacts their educational and economic prospects. Hence, the coalition insists that addressing these inequities is paramount in both alleviating the water crisis and promoting broader gender equality in society.