Women's Leadership Key to Solving Global Water Crisis as 187,000 Face Service Collapse
Kakuma, 22 March 2026
This World Water Day reveals a stark reality: whilst climate-driven displacement puts water at the centre of humanitarian crises, women and girls bear the heaviest burden of water inequality. The 2026 theme ‘Water and Gender: Where water flows, equality grows’ emphasises women’s leadership as crucial for sustainable solutions. Meanwhile, urgent funding shortfalls threaten immediate collapse of water services for 187,000 displaced people in South Sudan, highlighting how water scarcity disproportionately affects vulnerable populations in refugee settlements and displacement camps worldwide.
Crisis Deepens as Funding Shortfall Threatens Essential Services
The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan exemplifies the urgent water challenges facing displaced populations globally. On 19 March 2026, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) issued a stark warning that life-saving services for nearly 187,000 displaced people could collapse within weeks due to a USD 6 million funding shortfall [1]. The potential service disruption threatens not only these displaced individuals in congested sites but also 554,000 residents of Malakal, Bentiu and Rubkona towns [1]. Essential services including clean water, sanitation and flood protection in Bentiu and Malakal face immediate risk of disruption, leaving already vulnerable communities without the minimum conditions needed to survive, according to Vijaya Souri, IOM Chief of Mission in South Sudan [1]. These camps serve as last resorts for families displaced by conflict, flooding and insecurity, with an ongoing cholera outbreak and rising insecurity placing additional strain on communities [1].
Climate Displacement Puts Water at Crisis Centre
The connection between water and displacement has become increasingly evident as climate shocks drive more people from their homes. Climate-induced displacement is rising globally, with water sitting at the centre through droughts, floods, and unsafe water caused by salinity, pollution, and disrupted services [2]. For displaced and migrant communities, water and shelter represent inseparable foundations of protection, dignity, and recovery [2]. When safe water, sanitation, and hygiene are lacking, crowded shelters and settlement environments quickly become unsafe, increasing health and protection risks particularly for women and girls [2]. The scale of need in South Sudan alone demonstrates this crisis, with nearly 2 million internally displaced people and 10 million people requiring humanitarian assistance as of 18 March 2026 [1].
Gender Inequality Amplifies Water Access Challenges
This year’s World Water Day theme ‘Water and Gender: Where water flows, equality grows’ highlights how water inequality disproportionately affects women and girls [2][3]. The global water crisis affects everyone, but not equally, with women and girls bearing the brunt where people lack human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, causing inequalities to flourish [3]. The focus has turned to inclusive water governance centred on women’s leadership as a driver of equality and long-term stability [2]. Sustainable recovery depends on restoring both essential water systems and safe, adequate shelter so communities can rebuild with stability and dignity [2]. The International Organization for Migration, as co-lead of the Global Shelter, Land and Site Coordination Cluster, helps set direction for shelter and site coordination responses, bringing operational reach, technical expertise, and a strong protection focus to integrated, gender-responsive shelter and WASH action [2].
Immediate Action Required as Deadlines Loom
The urgency of the situation requires immediate financial intervention and policy changes. IOM is appealing for USD 6 million to sustain critical services through the end of 2026 and safeguard communities during ongoing camp transitions [1]. The timeline is critical, as Rubkona County is projected to reach IPC Acute Malnutrition Phase 5 – Extremely Critical during the April to June lean season [1]. Longer-term plans are underway as of 18 March 2026 to transition away from large camp settings and support durable solutions [1]. IOM calls for stronger investment, partnership, and inclusive policies that place water and shelter at the heart of protection, climate action, and sustainable development [2]. By linking services, standards, and coordination on the ground, organisations can support safer living conditions whilst ensuring women’s leadership and protection needs remain central to recovery and resilience efforts [2].