Every year on March 8, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)—a day dedicated to honouring women’s achievements and advocating for gender equality. The 2025 global theme, “Accelerate Action,” reminds us of the urgency needed to close the gender gap. At the current pace, full gender equality may not be achieved until 2158, making it crucial to act now. The United Nations theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” further reinforces the need for inclusive opportunities and lasting change for women and girls.

At TEMI Foundation, we recognize that true empowerment extends beyond social and economic opportunities—it also includes access to essential resources like clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Lack of proper WASH facilities disproportionately affects women and girls, limiting their education, health, and participation in community activities. By integrating WASH into the gender equality agenda, we can accelerate action and create real impact.

The Critical Link Between WASH and Women’s Empowerment

Access to clean water, improved sanitation, and proper hygiene is fundamental to good health, disease prevention, and overall well-being. In communities and schools with limited resources, addressing WASH challenges can transform lives, ensuring that women and girls can thrive in safe and dignified environments.

Key Areas of Focus

1. Water Supply
   • Ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water in schools
   • Developing sustainable water sources such as wells, boreholes, and rainwater harvesting
   • Providing proper water treatment and storage solutions
2. Sanitation
   • Constructing improved sanitation facilities, including gender-friendly toilets
   • Promoting effective waste management and proper sewage disposal
   • Encouraging community-led total sanitation (CLTS) to maintain cleanliness in schools and public spaces
3. Hygiene Promotion
   • Encouraging handwashing with soap at critical times to prevent disease spread
   • Supporting menstrual hygiene management (MHM) by ensuring access to sanitary products and safe spaces
   • Establishing environmental health promoters in schools to advocate for hygienic practices
4. WASH in Schools and Health Facilities
   • Building safe, gender-friendly school toilets and handwashing stations
   • Ensuring clean and well-maintained sanitation infrastructure in healthcare facilities
   • Integrating WASH education into school curriculums to promote long-term change
5. Governance and Sustainability
   • Advocating for stronger WASH policies that protect the rights of women and girls
   • Training school-based management committees (SBMCs) to oversee sanitation facilities
   • Establishing WASHCOM groups in schools to sustain good hygiene practices
   • Empowering young women by training them as local area mechanics (LAM) to maintain water facilities in schools and communities
   • Implementing monitoring, evaluation, and sustainable funding mechanisms to ensure long-term success

Accelerating Action for a Just and Equal Future

To truly honor International Women’s Day 2025, we must commit to taking bold steps to promote women’s rights, advocate for gender equality, and empower women and girls. Everyone—young and old—has a role to play in achieving a future where every girl has access to clean water, proper sanitation, and the dignity of good hygiene.

At TEMI Foundation, we stand with women and girls, working towards a world where no one is left behind. This is not just a call to action—it is a movement to create real, lasting change.

Join us in accelerating action for all women and girls. Together, we can make a difference.