Experts Urge Nepal to Adopt More Women-Friendly Water Policies and Supply Systems

Kathmandu. Experts working in the field of drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene have suggested making Nepal's water policy, supply system, and usage patterns more women-friendly. Speakers at a workshop on 'Water and Gender Equality' held here on Monday, organized by 'Smart WASH Solutions' on the occasion of World Water Day-2026, made these suggestions.

At the program, Dr. Manorama Khadka, Director of the International Water Management Institute, stated that the economic, social, educational, and overall development of women is being affected because Nepal's water-related policies, programs, practices, and traditions have not been made women-friendly.

She mentioned that water supply remains difficult in rural areas of Nepal, and since women are traditionally responsible for collecting water for drinking and domestic use, the education of their daughters and their participation in other social activities are being affected. Highlighting that women also face violence while collecting water, she said, "The situation of Dalit women is horrific. Whether in the Terai or the hills, the discrimination based on caste and untouchability is indescribable."

Meena Shrestha, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Water Supply, stated that the lack of a practice where men and women share household chores equally is a barrier to women's development. She mentioned that in some municipalities of certain provinces, the 'One House One Tap' campaign is underway with the support of foreign donors and organizations, and if this is completed, it will help accelerate the socio-economic development of women that has been stalled due to water issues.

At the program, Dr. Kapil Gyawali, Senior Divisional Engineer at the Water and Energy Commission, stated that recognizing the importance of multi-sectoral use of water, the commission has started celebrating a 'WASH Week' encompassing World Water Day, Glacier Day, and Water and Meteorology Day.

Former Minister Ganesh Sah stated that water is a medium and indicator of happiness and prosperity for citizens of all classes, professions, communities, and age groups worldwide. "Whoever has more water is rich. Whoever lacks water is poor. Water can make one rich," he said. He emphasized that easy availability, accessibility, and affordability of water are crucial.

In the second session of the program, experts, policymakers, local body representatives, and practitioners working in the water sector shared their best practices in their respective fields during a discussion moderated by Dr. Sunil Babu Shrestha, former Vice-Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology and former member of the National Planning Commission.