As the world marks World Water Day 2026, ActionAid Ghana has urged stakeholders to strengthen partnerships to address the growing challenges at the intersection of water access, gender inequality, and climate change.

These remarks were made during a photo exhibition at the Bulpiala Dam in Tamale to commemorate World Water Day, organized by ActionAid Ghana in partnership with Foto4change.

Speaking on the theme “Water and Gender Her Water, Her Power: Advancing Climate-Resilient Communities,” the Northern Regional Programmes Manager, Beatrice Yanman Bilje, highlighted that water is more than just a natural resource, adding that it is a matter of justice, dignity, and equality.

She noted that although access to safe and reliable water is a fundamental human right, many communities, especially women and girls, continue to struggle daily to secure it.

Ms. Bilje said in many parts of Ghana and beyond, women and girls bear the primary responsibility of fetching water, a task made increasingly difficult by the impacts of climate change.

“With drying water sources, erratic rainfall, and environmental stress, the burden on women and girls continues to grow,” she explained.

“This not only affects their health but also limits their time for education, economic activities, and participation in leadership.”

She emphasized that climate change must be understood not only as an environmental issue but also as a gender justice concern.

According to her, meaningful solutions require placing women at the center of decision-making processes around water management and climate resilience.

She further stressed that no single institution could tackle the water crisis alone, making partnerships essential. Governments, civil society organizations, development partners, traditional leaders, community groups, and the private sector all have a role to play.

“Through collaboration, we can combine resources, knowledge, and innovation to build water systems that are both sustainable and inclusive,” she said.

“Partnerships ensure that solutions are not only technically effective but also socially just and responsive to the needs of women and vulnerable groups.”