Gender and water access in South Africa: status, trends, and policy implications

Abstract

This policy brief analyses the challenges faced by women in accessing water resources and proposes actionable policy recommendations to promote gender equality and enhance water access in the country. International experiences show that addressing water disparities requires strategies that implement gender-sensitive policies, community-based initiatives, enhanced participation of women in water management and water project developments, gendered data-driven approaches and capacity-building programs and awareness campaigns to empower women and girls with knowledge about water conservation and management.