The Journey so far
The Women in Water and Sanitation Association was established in July 2016 and registered under the Societies Act CAP 108 Laws of Kenya. It was started as an initiative inspired by professional women under the umbrella of the Africa Water Association to represent the Kenyan Women in Water and Sanitation Chapter. The Association was welcomed in the sector during the initial conference held during the 18th AfWA Congress and Exhibitions held in Nairobi in February 2016 and the follow-up WIWAS conference later in September 2016.
- Inclusivity
- Passion
- Equality
- Professionalism
We have the objective of reinforcing the role of women in the management of water and sanitation in Kenya. The Association is registered under the Societies Act and recognized by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation.
Women and girls make up more than half the world’s population. They are often more affected than boys and men by poverty, climate change, food insecurity, lack of healthcare, and global economic crises. Their contributions and leadership are central to finding a solution. Without supporting women, the world will not be able to achieve sustainable development goals. Water and Sanitation are at the very core of the achievement of sustainable development. SDG 6 not only has a strong linkage to other SDGs, but it also underpins them.
- Peer to Peer Networking & Access: Enjoy the fellowship of your peers! WIWAS membership shall develop and strengthen your peer connections to help you advance your career and give back to your profession by meeting people who are new to the field.
- Professional Development: Enjoy access to career-advancing educational opportunities such as tailor-made training for WIWAS members, Meetings, WIWAS Bi -Annual Conference and E-Learning, all affording you access to convenient and quality opportunities to learn, network, and participate on your schedule!
- Membership Directory & Online Community Forum: There are plans to have a membership directory and online community platform in the WIWAS website. You shall be able to log in, update your profile, and locate peers in your profession with whom you can solve problems, discuss ideas, and capitalize on opportunities!
- Volunteering & involvement opportunities in sub-committees & events: WIWAS constitution once adopted shall give life to subcommittees that shall assist the ExCO run the business of the association.
- Leadership & mentorship opportunities
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Training and Capacity
Building We are an information center on gender and inclusivity. -
Research and Innovation
Research and dissemination on women-specific issues. -
Representation
Representation and voice in WASH leadership forums. -
Advocacy
We represent and advocate for the views of our members. Knowledge Management. We manage relevant sectorial information that is relevant to our members. -
Networking
The networking opportunities we bring forward enable our members to work together and achieve their goal -
Knowledge Management
We manage relevant sectorial information that is relevant to our members.
- Less than one in five water workers are women, according to new research by the World Bank’s Water Global Practice
- In 80 per cent of households with water shortages, women and girls are responsible for water collection. Added up, the time spent on this chore often means girls miss school and women miss out on the chance to earn a decent living. Solving this issue is key to breaking the cycle of poverty
- In many parts of the world women often occupy undervalued and low-paid jobs and still shoulder responsibility for most unpaid care work.
- Unsafe sanitation has a significant impact on childhood stunting
Our mandate is to raise awareness on issues of gender equality and women’s empowerment in water and sanitation sector as well as a networking platform to develop more career opportunities and support women in provision of services and women professionals.
