By Jamilu Abubakar
Women are taking prominent leadership roles in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) governance in Adamawa State under the ASWA III Project.
The ASWA III Project Adamawa Sustainable Water and Sanitation Project, Phase Three is a Adamawa state Government led initiative supported by UNICEF and the Government of the Netherlands, aimed at improving access to safe, sustainable and inclusive WASH services across communities.
Findings from a field visit to Ganye and Shelleng Local Government Areas, key implementing councils, show notable progress in gender inclusion and service delivery.
Speaking after the visit, UNICEF WASH Officer Bauchi Field Office, Nanbam Dawap Michael, said the project is designed to strengthen community ownership by promoting women’s active participation in WASH decision-making.
She noted that women now occupy critical leadership roles in WASH Committees and are spearheading hygiene promotion efforts at the grassroots.
Also speaking, the ASWA III Desk Officer at the Adamawa State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency ADRUWASSA, Aisha Yusuf, said the initiative aligns with the state’s gender policy and prioritises women’s inclusion.
She disclosed that over 121,000 women and girls have been reached with WASH services, while more than 1,200 women are currently serving in leadership positions within WASH Committees.
Aisha Yusuf added that the project is also enhancing livelihoods by supporting women to engage in sanitation-related businesses, including toilet construction and management.
The ASWA III Project activities in Adamawa include provision of improved water supply, sanitation facilities, hygiene education, community mobilisation, and capacity building to ensure sustainability.
The increased involvement of women has strengthened accountability, improved service delivery, and enhanced community ownership.
The project is now regarded as a model for gender-responsive development and sustainable WASH systems in the state.
Leave a Reply