Having access to basic clean water and a decent toilet saves children’s lives, gives women a leg up in earning money, and ensures a good food supply. CARE’s work on water is not just about digging wells or building latrines. We work with governments to ensure long-term political commitment, constructive policies and appropriate allocation of resources to support lasting improvements and increased coverage. We link with wider efforts to integrate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) with nutrition, education, and adaptation to climatic shocks.

CARE places emphasis on women in all of our water+ work. That’s because impoverished women are disproportionately excluded from decisions regarding water’s allocation and management. CARE encourages equal decision-making power for women by including them in discussions on water and sanitation at all levels. Improved WASH results in women and girls spending less time caring for family members who fall sick due to poor WASH. When water and sanitation facilities are appropriately allocated and managed women have more time for income generating activities and girls have more time for school. Better sanitation facilities in schools can positively affect students – specifically girls, once they begin menstruating.