Jamilu Abubakar
Women are emerging as key drivers of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) governance in Adamawa State, as the ASWA III Project deepens access to essential services while advancing gender inclusion across communities.
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The Adamawa Sustainable Water and Sanitation Project (ASWA III), a state government-led initiative supported by UNICEF and the Government of the Netherlands, is designed to deliver safe, sustainable and inclusive WASH services, particularly in underserved areas.
A recent field assessment in Ganye and Shelleng Local Government Areas—two of the project’s core implementation sites—revealed significant strides in both service delivery and women’s participation in decision-making structures.
Speaking after the visit, UNICEF WASH Officer, Bauchi Field Office, Nanbam Dawap Michael, described the initiative as a community-driven model that places strong emphasis on women’s leadership.
According to her, women are no longer just beneficiaries but are actively shaping WASH governance, occupying strategic positions in local WASH Committees and leading hygiene promotion campaigns at the grassroots level.
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Also speaking, ASWA III Desk Officer at the Adamawa State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (ADRUWASSA), Aisha Yusuf, said the project aligns closely with the state’s gender policy, ensuring that women are deliberately included in planning and implementation processes.
She disclosed that more than 121,000 women and girls have so far benefited from improved WASH services under the project, while over 1,200 women are currently serving in leadership roles within community WASH Committees.
Beyond access to basic services, the project is also opening up economic opportunities. Aisha Yusuf noted that women are being supported to participate in sanitation-related enterprises, including toilet construction and facility management, thereby boosting livelihoods and local economies.
Key interventions under ASWA III include the provision of improved water sources, construction of sanitation facilities, hygiene education campaigns, community mobilisation, and capacity building to ensure long-term sustainability.
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Stakeholders say the increased involvement of women has not only strengthened accountability and transparency in WASH governance but has also enhanced service delivery and fostered a stronger sense of community ownership.
With its measurable impact and inclusive approach, the ASWA III Project is increasingly being recognised as a model for gender-responsive development and sustainable WASH systems in Adamawa State.