Organizer: NGO CSW Geneva, International Federation of Business & Professional Women

Co-Organizers: International Network of Liberal Women, Make Mothers Matter, National Alliance of Women’s Organizations UK, Soroptimist International, Latter-Day Saint Charities, Widows Rights International, Women’s Federation for World Peace

Across the UNECE region and globally, women and girls bear a disproportionate burden of inadequate water access, yet their experiential knowledge and leadership remain underutilized in water governance. As the 2030 Agenda deadline nears, addressing the intersections of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) becomes imperative. Empowering women as active agents, not just beneficiaries, of water management is key to building resilient, and sustainable systems.

This multi-stakeholder panel session aims to strengthen partnerships among women’s organizations, governments, research institutions and UN agencies (SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals) to accelerate combined progress toward SDG 5, SDG 6 and SDG 16 whilst highlighting the critical role of women in advancing sustainable water management and governance.

This side event is presented by a wide coalition of women's organizations.