Ekiti State has marked this year’s World Water Day with a renewed push for inclusive and sustainable water management, placing women at the centre of reforms.
The initiative, driven by the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme, was highlighted at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado-Ekiti.
Officials said the approach aims to improve water access while addressing gender inequalities in water governance.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Mrs Toyin Ojelabi-Pedro, said this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” reflects the critical role women play in water access and management.
“Water is life, and the role of women in water management cannot be overemphasised,” she said.
Ojelabi-Pedro added that better access to safe drinking water would ease the burden on women, who are often responsible for sourcing water for household use, and improve their health and productivity.
Speaking, an engineer, Mr Jide Olatilu, from the Rural water supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Agency, said about 60 per cent of rural water schemes in the state stop functioning within two years of construction.
He attributed this to poor maintenance, inadequate funding and limited technical capacity.
Olatilu proposed a Sustainable Development Model that would involve communities and private sector partners working together to manage water systems more effectively.
He also stressed the need to include women in leadership roles, noting that their involvement could improve accountability and long-term sustainability.
Also speaking, Prof. Silvia Uzochukwu the President of Biotechnology Society of Nigeria and Former Director of Gender studies, FUOYE said women, despite being the primary users and managers of water at the household level, are often excluded from decision-making processes.
She warned that socio-cultural barriers, as well as the risk of gender-based violence faced by women while fetching water, remain significant challenges.
“Failure to include women will result in poor sustainability and slow progress,” she said.
In his remarks, A Water and Environmental Consultant, Dr Similade Adeodun highlighted the global scale of the issue, noting that women and girls spend more than 250 million hours daily collecting water.
She said this limits economic opportunities and exposes them to health risks and climate-related challenges.
Earlier, a Social Officer, Mr Olugbenga Aladegbola, warned against practices such as indiscriminate waste disposal and poor sanitation, which can contaminate water sources.
Participants at the meeting called for stronger community involvement, improved maintenance culture and stricter adherence to environmental standards.
In closing remarks delivered on behalf of the programme coordinator, Mrs Tolu Osadare thanked stakeholders and development partners for their contributions.
The event brought together government officials, local authorities, water sector professionals and community leaders.
Organisers said the discussions reflect a broader commitment by the Ekiti State Government to improve access to clean water, promote gender inclusion and ensure sustainable water systems across the state.