As the world marks World Water Day 2026, the Our Water, Our Right Africa Coalition (OWORAC) warned that water privatisation could disproportionately affect women and girls across Africa.
The coalition marked the day under the theme “Water and Gender”, highlighting gender inequality in communities facing severe water shortages.
OWORAC, a network of civil society groups, local communities, and trade unions, said corporate control of water undermines its status as a fundamental human right.
Fatou Diouf of the Senegalese Water Justice Network said women and girls bear the heaviest burden when public water systems are handed to private operators.
“Privatisation turns water into a commodity, deepening social and economic inequality,” she said.
The coalition noted that in sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls spend an estimated 200 million hours daily collecting water, time that could otherwise go to education, work, or safety.
Cecilia Sharp, UNICEF Director of WASH and CEED, added that all step girls take to fetch water reduces opportunities for learning and recreation.
Kumbulani Maphosa, coordinator of Voices for Water in Zimbabwe, said legal recognition does not automatically translate into meaningful access for communities.
Zikora Ibeh, Assistant Executive Director for Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, highlighted that women and girls bear the heaviest burden of water shortages, citing examples in Ondo State and Lagos.
OWORAC also expressed concern over Zimbabwe’s reported plans to dismantle the Zimbabwe Gender Commission while pursuing water privatisation schemes, warning that it could weaken protections for women.
The group criticised private water corporations’ influence, including AquaFed, representing Veolia and Suez, in the World Water Day 2026 Task Force.
The coalition urged African governments to reject privatisation and public-private partnerships, invest in public water infrastructure, ensure transparency, and involve women in water governance decisions to protect access, promote gender equality, and achieve sustainable development.
