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SIWI works to make water governance more inclusive and equitable. Our priorities are to embed human rights in water decisions and strengthen the influence of people who face barriers to participation. This includes advancing gender equality and supporting youth engagement, alongside recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights and leadership. We help institutions develop approaches that give affected people meaningful opportunities to shape decisions.
Explore how human rights, gender equality in water governance and Indigenous Peoples’ rights and knowledge relate to water decisions.
Why these priorities matter now
Decisions about water shape access to essential services and opportunities for development. They also influence how the benefits and costs of climate adaptation or new infrastructure are distributed. People with limited influence can bear those costs without having a meaningful say.
Water scarcity and climate change can deepen existing inequalities, but exclusion also arises from how institutions operate. Formal opportunities to participate may not be enough if information is inaccessible or people’s rights and knowledge are overlooked.
SIWI works to address these barriers by bringing human rights into water governance and supporting meaningful participation. Our focus is on helping institutions account for whose needs are represented and how decisions affect people differently.
Where we drive change
1. Embedding human rights-based approaches in water governance
Human rights principles provide a foundation for fair, transparent, and accountable governance. Applying these principles helps ensure that water policies and institutions protect people’s dignity and address inequalities.
We support rights-based governance by:
- integrating human rights standards into policies and decision-making
- supporting institutions to uphold accountability and transparency
- ensuring water governance frameworks prioritize equity and non-discrimination
Grounding water governance in human rights strengthens both legitimacy and long-term sustainability.
2. Advancing gender equality, youth empowerment, and Indigenous Peoples’ leadership
Inclusive governance requires recognizing and valuing the knowledge, leadership, and rights of groups often excluded from decision-making. Strengthening their role improves solutions and creates more resilient societies.
We promote diverse leadership by:
- supporting gender-responsive policies and programmes
- creating space for youth participation and influence
- elevating Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, rights, and governance systems
A broader range of voices leads to governance that is more just, effective, and representative.
3. Ensuring equitable participation and decision-making across scales
Fair water governance depends on participation at every level — from community processes to national and transboundary decision-making. Inclusive engagement strengthens legitimacy, improves implementation, and ensures that solutions reflect real needs.
We support equitable participation by:
- improving platforms for stakeholder engagement and dialogue
- strengthening institutional capacity for inclusive governance
- ensuring decision-making processes reflect local, regional, and national perspectives
Participation that is broad, meaningful, and informed leads to decisions that endure.
