Access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental right, yet women’s role in managing these services is often overlooked. In Mardan, Pakistan, women are becoming active change agents, moving from traditional roles in the water and sanitation sector and influencing decisions through engagement, capacity building, and entrepreneurship.
The water operators’ partnership between Water and Sanitation Services Company (WSSC) Mardan, Pakistan, and Budapest Waterworks, Hungary, funded by the European Union is supporting the initiative for women’s engagement as part of efforts towards gender inclusion.
WSSC Mardan is a governmental utility providing water supply and sanitation to 14 urban unions, catering to around 420,000 residents. Despite comprising half of the community, women have historically had limited involvement in decision-making. However, targeted initiatives are driving change. The Community Liaison Cell at WSSC Mardan works to connect service providers with women, ensuring their voices are heard in local water policies.
The formation of 16-17 women-only WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) groups has empowered approximately 200 female entrepreneurs. These groups serve as collaborative platforms for women engaged in tailoring, beauty, healthcare, and other sustainable business sectors. WSSC Mardan has also partnered with the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry to establish a Women’s Business Development Centre, providing female entrepreneurs with access to resources and training.
Women’s involvement in water management has yielded tangible results, including heightened community awareness on water conservation, improved operational efficiency in water management, and strengthened governance advocating for gender-inclusive policies.
Beyond economic empowerment, women in Mardan are leading behavioural change. Educational initiatives promote responsible water usage and proper waste disposal. During the holiday of Eid ul-Adha, biodegradable bags were distributed to encourage safe disposal of animal remains, enhancing sanitation efforts. Additionally, outreach programs in schools equip young women with advocacy skills for sustainable solutions.
Yet, challenges persist: despite significant progress, barriers remain. Cultural and societal norms continue to limit women's active roles in decision-making processes. Financial and technical constraints hinder capacity-building efforts, preventing women from accessing essential training and resources. Additionally, female representation in leadership roles within the water sector remains low, underscoring the need for policies that foster greater inclusion.
Women’s empowerment in water and sanitation is not just about participation; it is about transformation. The Mardan experience demonstrates that when women take on leadership roles, communities benefit. On this International Women’s Day, the progress made serves as a call to action for continued gender-inclusive reforms in water management and beyond.
