By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), May 17, GNA – The Women in WASH Advocacy Network-Ghana (WinWASH), has hosted a high-level stakeholder forum in Ho to promote climate-resilient and gender-responsive Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services.
WinWASH in collaboration with Cowater Ghana and the Strengthening Investments in Gender-Responsive Climate Adaptation (SIGRA) program, brought together government officials, engineers, artisans, traditional leaders, and civil society actors to explore ways to integrate gender and climate resilience into the design, implementation, and sustainability of WASH infrastructure across the Volta Region.
Ms Nora Ollennu, National Coordinator of WinWASH, said the forum aimed to build the capacity of WASH professionals while ensuring that women’s voices are central in the development of WASH facilities.
“We’re here to empower engineers and artisans with knowledge and tools to build resilient WASH infrastructure that considers gender needs. When women’s input is absent, facilities often fail to serve them effectively,” she stated.
She noted that although national WASH policies exist, critical gender considerations are often overlooked at the planning and implementation stages, especially at the district level.
“Gender mainstreaming must be reflected in our national water policies and translated into local action plans. WASH facilities should be functional, inclusive, and sustainable—not just structures,” she emphasised.
Ms Ollennu further highlighted the need to involve local artisans and educate households on sustainable WASH practices, noting that design choices and materials affect long-term usability.
“People don’t just build houses or toilets in a vacuum. Every decision has consequences. Everyone has a role to play,” she added.
Madam Stella Kumedzro, Volta Regional Environmental Health Officer, called for increased investment in the WASH sector, which she said is often sidelined in development priorities.
“People prioritize roads, schools, and factories while neglecting WASH. But investing in WASH improves health, education, industry, and environmental outcomes,” she said.
She encouraged female environmental health officers to take leadership roles in community-level WASH advocacy and called for traditional and religious leaders to be empowered through the newly merged Ministry of Chieftaincy and Local Government.
Prof. Simon Mariwah of the Department of Geography and Regional Planning at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), who facilitated a session on gender mainstreaming, spoke on the everyday challenges women and girls face due to inadequate WASH facilities.
“Women manage household sanitation but are often excluded from planning. Girls miss school during menstruation because there are no safe, private sanitation options,” he noted.
He said that even schools with toilets often lack essential features like changing rooms, making them unsuitable for girls during their menstrual periods.
“If we don’t plan WASH services with women, girls, and persons with disabilities in mind, we leave them behind. Our goal should be inclusive service for everyone, everywhere, every time,” Prof. Mariwah stressed.
Mr Augustus Awity, Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), highlighted the increasing impact of climate change on WASH infrastructure in the region.
“Irregular rainfall and flooding pose serious threats. The VRCC is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance climate resilience and inclusive planning,” he stated.
Participants expressed satisfaction with the forum and called on government agencies and development partners to increase the involvement of women in the planning, construction, and maintenance of WASH facilities in both public and private settings.
The forum concluded with a renewed stakeholder commitment to adopting practical, inclusive, and climate-smart approaches to WASH service delivery in the Volta Region.
GNA
MA/AD