Watch the full webinar recording now on YouTube.
On World Environment Day, Soroptimist International and Women for Water Partnership co-hosted a webinar exploring the links between gender equality, water security, and environmental justice. From grassroots impact to global advocacy, the event brought together a diverse panel of women leaders working at the forefront of climate action, health, and sustainable development. The session spotlighted the often-unseen roles women play in water and sanitation, and the urgent need to integrate gender equality into water governance and policy.
President Siew Yong Gnanalingam – Opening & Closing Remarks
SI President Siew Yong opened and closed the event by calling on us to act as one — united across borders to protect our planet. She reminded us that water underpins every aspect of life, from education and economy to health and equality. Her remarks linked World Environment Day’s theme of ending plastic pollution to the wider SDGs, highlighting the need to empower women as leaders in climate and water action. She closed by encouraging participants to take the stories and lessons shared into their own communities.
Diana Iskreva – “Water and Women” (Women for Water Partnership)
Diana Iskreva, President of Women for Water Partnership, gave a compelling overview of Women for Water Partnership’s work connecting grassroots advocacy with international policy. She underlined the daily burden women face in collecting water, and how this limits access to education, health, and economic opportunity. Diana also looked ahead to 2026 — a year set to spotlight the interconnection of water and gender through the UN Water Conference and key global reports. Her message was clear: the time to prepare and mobilise is now.
Sandra Hanns – “Women, Water & Plastic: A Call for Planetary Action”
Sandra Hanns explored the gendered impact of plastic pollution — from microplastics in water to chemicals in cosmetics. She emphasised that women, especially in marginalised communities, are on the frontline of both harm and resistance. Sandra called for urgent action: banning single-use plastics, holding polluters accountable, and supporting women-led climate solutions. Her presentation powerfully connected everyday consumer habits to global systems of environmental injustice.
Dr Ngozi Ndu – “Health Aspects of Clean Water & Sanitation with a Gender Lens”
Dr Ngozi Ndu shared scientific insight into the health risks posed by contaminated water, especially for women and children. She explained how toxins build up in the body and can cause long-term harm — from miscarriages to developmental delays. Importantly, she offered low-cost, community-led purification methods and highlighted the potential for women to lead water innovation in their own communities. Her message blended rigour and passion: clean water is not a luxury — it’s a human right.
Lydia Bernard Jones – “A Deep Dive with Impact Water”
Lydia Bernard Jones highlighted the transformative work of Impact Water across schools in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda. Through low-cost water treatment and strong local engagement, the initiative has improved access to safe water for millions of students — particularly girls. Lydia emphasised that behaviour change, not just technology, is key to lasting impact. Her presentation reminded us that simple, community-driven approaches can tackle complex problems and create powerful change.
Dawn Fleming – “Waterlution: Celebrating 22 Years”
Dawn Fleming celebrated 22 years of Waterlution’s youth-led, creativity-driven approach to water and climate challenges. From Mozambique to Brazil, she shared inspiring case studies of girls and women leading change in their communities — from designing sanitation solutions to engaging in water governance. At the heart of her message was a belief in partnerships, innovation, and the power of young women to shape a just and sustainable future.
Bev Bucur – “Empowering Women & Girls in Cameroon”
Bev Bucur shared a moving account of the partnership with Mumzy Child Relief Foundation in Cameroon. By providing tuition, uniforms, and sanitary products, the initiative has enabled girls to access education — often for the first time. She spoke of overcoming cultural norms around child marriage and girls’ schooling, showing how trust, persistence, and community engagement can change lives. It was a powerful reminder that education, water, and gender justice are deeply interconnected.
Mary Muia – “Greening our Horizons – Soroptimists Leading the Way”
Mary Muia reflected on Soroptimist International’s growing presence in environmental spaces — from UNEA to community climate action. She spoke of the need to mainstream gender in green policy, scale up climate literacy, and invest in women-led solutions. Her call to action: empower women as decision-makers, innovators, and educators in the green transition, ensuring they’re not just at the table but leading the way.
Linda Witong – “Recent Innovations in Addressing Water Scarcity and Pollution”
Linda Witong provided a sweeping overview of the global water crisis and emerging responses — from AI-based forecasting to community infrastructure. She stressed that innovation must go hand in hand with equity and inclusion. Linda reminded us that millions still lack safe toilets, and that poor infrastructure often places women at risk of violence. Her message was grounded in justice: addressing water challenges isn’t just technical — it’s moral.
Conclusion
The webinar made clear that addressing water security and environmental justice is inseparable from advancing gender equality. Women are not only disproportionately affected — they are also driving powerful solutions. As we look ahead to key global milestones, now is the time to amplify women’s voices, support grassroots action, and invest in sustainable, inclusive change.
Let’s carry this momentum forward — share these insights, start conversations, and join us in championing women-led climate and water solutions.
