Sierra Leone will join the global community to commemorate World Water Day 2026 under the theme “Water and Gender Where water flows, equality grows.” A national event is scheduled for *Monday, 23 March 2026, at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown, hosted by the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
The observance comes at a crucial moment for the country’s water sector, where reforms and investments are expected to continue expanding access to safe water and improved sanitation. Through initiatives including WASHIT, the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project, and expanded rural water supply programmes, government efforts supported by partners such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, UNICEF, and WASH non-governmental organisations are aimed at strengthening water infrastructure, reducing non-revenue water, and promoting sustainable service delivery.
This year’s theme draws attention to an enduring challenge in Sierra Leone: women and girls especially in rural communities often shoulder the responsibility of collecting water and are disproportionately affected by inadequate sanitation and hygiene.
Accordingly, the national campaign will promote gender-responsive solutions to ensure water systems are designed around the needs of women, while also creating opportunities for their participation as leaders, engineers, and decision-makers within the water sector.
Planned activities for World Water Day include a formal ceremony, stakeholder remarks, public awareness programmes, and a keynote address by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation. Discussions are expected to focus on reducing inequalities in access to safe water for household and economic use, improving public health and dignity through better sanitation, and strengthening the role of women in water governance.
In line with global priorities, including the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Sierra Leone’s commemoration reinforces a clear message: water security cannot be achieved without gender equality.
As the country continues implementation of its National WASH Strategic Plan (2026–2035), World Water Day 2026 marks both progress made and a renewed call to accelerate inclusive and equitable water solutions for all Sierra Leoneans.
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