By: Sintayehu Tamirat

Ethiopia says it is walking the talk in addressing water-related challenges women and girls are facing. 

The remark came as the country marked the 2026 World Water Day on Monday at Bishoftu Town. The day themed "Where water flows, equality grows", brought together federal and regional government officials, water resources and energy ministers from East African countries, academics, diplomats, NGOs, researchers, media houses and more. 

Opening the event, Ethiopian minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa mentioned the water related challenges. 

While the global water crisis affects everyone, the impact is not equal for men and women and girls, the minister said.

In most parts of the world women and girls are victims of the problem, he said, adding that more than 1.8 billion people do not have access to safe clean water and of this figure about 1 billion are women and girls. 

Emphasizing the challenge that where people lack safe drinking water and sanitation close to home, inequalities flourish, with women and girls bearing the burden, Minister Habtamu suggested transformative leadership which considers the voice of Women is key. 

Stressing on the Ethiopian context, the minister underscored that Ethiopia is walking the talk in addressing the water sector challenges with significant undertakings on women engagement. 

The role of women in both utilizing and developing water resources is high, he added. Several panel discussions were held the topic including water governance and gender equality.