World Water Day is an annual celebration started by the United Nations in 1993 to raise awareness about the importance of fresh water. It’s a call to action. That’s what Clean Water Action means when we talk about our vision and goal of clean water that is fishable, swimmable and drinkable – for all people and all communities.
This year’s national theme for World Water Day is one that really resonates with me: it’s about Water and Gender. It reflects the reality – globally and here in the U.S. – that women and girls often find themselves on the front lines, dealing with problems when something goes wrong. Yes, water ultimately impacts us all, but that burden is not always shared equally.
Who is often responsible for finding clean water when pollution or disaster disrupts the supply? Who is often the one caring for children’s health, working to provide assistance for their families and neighbors to aavoid contaminants like lead or toxic PFAS forever chemicals?
When Clean Water Action supports grassroots community leaders, more often than not, those leaders end up being women. When local activists come forward to demand action and speak out to offer practical solutions, it is women who are leading the way, time and again.
This is true within Clean Water Action, too. I am part of an eight-person fundraising and communications team here. The rest of my teammates are all women. And we know how to get things done! That’s been the case throughout my four decades at Clean Water Action. Just one look at the incredible staff profiles listed on our website, and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
This is one of Clean Water Action’s unique strengths. In January, my longtime colleague, Lynn Thorp took on the role of the organization’s first woman President. Her leadership brings this strength into even sharper focus.
This coming Sunday, March 22, help us celebrate World Water Day. Take a moment to reflect on how important clean water is to you, and the special role women play in protecting it. Where water flows, equity grows.
