One downfall when it comes to the water sector is that, historically, it’s been good at talking among itself, but not beyond that, said Mina Guli, CEO at Thirst Foundation.
“For too long, we’ve talked to water people but the reality is water people know what needs to be done … it’s like we’re preaching to the converted,” she said.
Today, 1 in 4 people cannot access safe drinking water; 1 in 3 people don’t have basic hand-washing facilities, including soap and water; and 494 million people still practice open defecation. And there is a substantial lack of funding — fewer than 14% of countries have the resources needed to implement WASH plans.
In order to initiate change, the sector must get better at reaching outside “the water bottle” to people in other sectors, Guli said.
Listen to the WASH Works podcast:
► Why women and girls lose the most in the absence of WASH
A lack of water impacts crop growth, food security, and nutrition; limited access to toilets at home can put women at risk of gender-based violence; while limited access in schools can affect a girl’s education if she has to stay home during menstruation; and drinking contaminated water can cause significant health risks, as can the lack of access to good hygiene in health care settings.
Failing to communicate about the issue with others will likely jeopardize progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation for all, Guli said. But the interconnected nature of the SDGs means it will likely prevent progress among the other goals too.
Given that WASH is just one of many competing priorities on current global agendas, the challenge is how WASH organizations can ensure the issue resonates with those who can help advance progress.
Tapping into insights from experts in the sector, Devex shares some recommendations on how to do just that.
Visit the WASH Works series for more coverage on water, sanitation, and hygiene — and importantly, how WASH efforts intersect with other development challenges. You can join the conversation using the hashtag #WASHWorks.
About the authors
Rebecca L. Root
Rebecca L. Root is a freelance reporter for Devex based in Bangkok. Previously senior associate & reporter, she produced news stories, video, and podcasts as well as partnership content. She has a background in finance, travel, and global development journalism and has written for a variety of publications while living and working in Bangkok, New York, London, and Barcelona.
Naomi Mihara
Naomi Mihara is an Associate Editor for Devex, working on creative and audiovisual projects. She has a background in journalism and international development, having previously served as an assistant correspondent for Japanese newspaper The Yomiuri Shimbun and as a communications officer for the International Organization for Migration in Southeast Asia. She holds a master’s degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University.