Make Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene a priority in your governance agenda – WinWASH appeals to Prez Mahama

Women in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Advocacy Network (WinWASH), a non-governmental organization championing gender-responsive WASH services, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to make Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) a priority in his governance agenda.

According to the national leadership of WinWASH, WASH is intrinsically linked to the empowerment of women and girls, who are disproportionately impacted by inadequate services.

WinWASH made the appeal through an open letter signed by its National Coordinator, Madam Nora Ollennu to the President. Part of the letter reads “Women and girls in many parts of Ghana continue to bear the brunt of WASH challenges, from walking long distances to fetch water to lacking access to adequate sanitation and menstrual hygiene facilities. These challenges hinder their health, safety, and opportunities for education and economic empowerment. Addressing these disparities aligns perfectly with your commitment to advancing gender equality”.

Below is an unedited letter from WinWASH),

H.E. John Dramani Mahama
President of the Republic of Ghana
Jubilee House
Accra, Ghana

Your Excellency,

An open letter to H.E. President John Dramani Mahama

Women in WASH Advocacy Network (WWASH) brings you warm greetings.

On behalf of the Women in WASH Advocacy Network (WinWASH), we extend our warmest congratulations to you on your resounding victory in the December 7, 2024, presidential election. Your success is a reflection of the unwavering trust Ghanaians have in your vision and leadership.

We are especially inspired by your bold commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, demonstrated by your historic decision to appoint Ghana’s first female Vice President. This monumental achievement signifies your belief in the invaluable contributions of women to national development and sets a powerful example for future generations.

Your Excellency, as an organization championing gender-responsive WASH services, we plead with you to make Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) a priority in your governance agenda. WASH is intrinsically linked to the empowerment of women and girls, who are disproportionately impacted by inadequate services.

Women and girls in many parts of Ghana continue to bear the brunt of WASH challenges, from walking long distances to fetch water to lacking access to adequate sanitation and menstrual hygiene facilities. These challenges hinder their health, safety, and opportunities for education and economic empowerment. Addressing these disparities aligns perfectly with your commitment to advancing gender equality.

WinWASH respectfully calls on your administration to:

1. Invest in Gender-Responsive WASH Infrastructure: Ensure that all public spaces, schools, health facilities, and workplaces have WASH facilities that cater specifically to the needs of women and girls, including menstrual hygiene management.
2. Promote Women’s Leadership in WASH: Empower women to take on leadership roles in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of WASH initiatives to ensure inclusivity and sustainability.
3. Facilitate Collaboration with NGOs and Civil Society: Create an enabling environment for NGOs in the WASH sector to thrive by removing bureaucratic barriers, fostering partnerships, and leveraging their expertise to complement government efforts.
4. Strengthen Policies and Accountability: Enhance the enforcement of WASH policies with a focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by women and vulnerable populations.
5. Support Climate-Resilient WASH Solutions: Invest in sustainable WASH systems that adapt to the impacts of climate change and build resilience for communities across Ghana.

Your Excellency, we are encouraged by your leadership and your belief in the power of women to shape Ghana’s future. WinWASH stands ready to collaborate with your administration to ensure that every Ghanaian, especially women and girls, can access dignified WASH services.

Together, we can empower women and girls, foster equity, and build a healthier and more inclusive Ghana. Your commitment to this cause will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Congratulations once again, Your Excellency. We wish you wisdom, strength, and enduring success as you lead our beloved nation forward.

Yours sincerely,

 NORA OLLENNU

National Coordinator

 By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH