Gender
Water insecurity is deeply tied to gender inequality. Gender norms, power relations and institutional structures determine who gets to control water resources, who benefits from its use and who is most at risk when water systems fail. Without addressing these dynamics, water policies and investments can reinforce existing inequalities and create unintended harm.
Through partnerships, IWMI applies gender-transformative approaches that go beyond participation to challenge exclusionary norms and practices. Drawing on feminist political economy and intersectional analysis, IWMI examines how gender interacts with class, ethnicity, age, geography and livelihoods to shape access to and control over water resources. This evidence informs water governance reforms, infrastructure planning, pricing, allocation and climate adaptation strategies. By embedding gender analysis into water data systems, decision-making tools and policy processes, IWMI helps ensure that water interventions are equitable, accountable and effective, delivering sustainable outcomes for all.
Contacts
Latest news on this topic
Lessons from the shoreline
Agriculture advisors to bring more Indian farmers towards renewable energy
Rights. Justice. Action.
Strong roots, inclusive futures
Latest publications on this topic
Asian Water Development Outlook 2025: the index of water security for Asia and the Pacific
Gestion inclusive des paysage : un guide pour les chefs de projet et les facilitateurs de processus
Inclusive landscape management: a guide for project managers and process facilitators
Events on this topic
Water Hackathon 2026: Tackling the Water Crisis in India
Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026)
WE4F Webinar 2: Best Practices on Gender Integration within Challenge Funds
World Water Day 2026
Latest data resources
