Across Africa, access to clean water, safe sanitation and good hygiene remains one of the most critical development challenges. Behind many of the solutions are women who lead projects, design innovations, influence policy and work directly with communities. Yet their work often goes unseen and uncelebrated at a continental level. A new initiative is now stepping in to change that.
The African Water and Sanitation Association and the Rural Water Supply Network are calling for nominations for the first edition of the African Women in WASH Awards. The initiative is designed to recognise and celebrate African women who are driving real impact in the water, sanitation and hygiene sector. More than an awards programme, it aims to strengthen leadership, inspire investment and bring visibility to women-led solutions that improve lives across the continent.
By highlighting excellence and innovation, the awards are expected to encourage stronger participation of women in decision making, attract support for women-led initiatives and promote inclusive approaches that leave no one behind. From rural communities to national institutions, the recognition of women’s work in WASH is expected to contribute to better health outcomes, stronger climate resilience and more sustainable economic development.
Building Recognition and Opportunity for Women in WASH
Women across Africa play a central role in the WASH sector. They manage water utilities, lead sanitation programmes, develop new technologies, advocate for inclusive policies and mobilise communities. In many cases, they do this in challenging environments with limited funding, limited visibility and few leadership opportunities.
Despite these contributions, formal recognition has been rare. The African Women in WASH Awards aim to fill this gap by creating a high-profile continental platform that recognises measurable impact rather than symbolic achievement.
The vision behind the awards is clear. It is to build a future where women are recognised as key agents of change and hold prominent leadership roles at all levels, from grassroots implementation to national and regional policy making. The initiative seeks to honour excellence, inspire young professionals, promote inclusivity and strengthen networks across countries and sectors.
A strong focus is placed on leaving no one behind. The awards prioritise the visibility of women working in rural areas, women with disabilities and women serving low-income and marginalised communities. By showcasing these stories, the initiative aims to demonstrate the strong link between women’s leadership and improved community health, economic growth and resilience to climate challenges.
An important long-term element of the programme is its Mentorship and Legacy component. The top women recognised through the awards will be linked with rising stars and grassroots innovators. This approach encourages intergenerational learning and strengthens existing gender-focused efforts within AfWASA and RWSN.
How the Awards Work and Who Can Apply
The African Women in WASH Awards are open to African women professionals aged 18 and above, at all career stages. Applications and nominations are welcome from individuals, teams, civil society organisations and media practitioners working within the WASH sector.
There are six award categories, each reflecting a key area of impact. These include the Top Woman in WASH Leadership Award, the Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award, the Indigenous Impact and Grassroots Champion Award, the Policy and Advocacy Trailblazer Award, the Youth Rising Star Award for women under 35 and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Among these, the Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award stands out for its strong focus on business and enterprise. It honours women-led innovations and entrepreneurial solutions that are affordable, scalable and designed to serve marginalised communities. This category highlights how entrepreneurship can drive inclusive development while solving real WASH challenges.
The nomination process requires basic information about the nominee, including their organisation and country, the award category and a statement of no more than 500 words describing achievements, impact and inclusion considerations. Supporting evidence such as media coverage, testimonials, photos or videos is also required.
An independent panel of seven to twelve experts will oversee the judging process. The panel will reflect geographic and sector diversity and will apply a two-stage review process. This includes an initial eligibility screening followed by a detailed evaluation of impact, leadership, innovation and inclusivity. Panel members will also support the mentorship programme that connects established leaders with emerging ones.
Nominations are open until January 11. For many women working quietly but powerfully across Africa, the awards represent more than recognition. They represent visibility, opportunity and a stronger platform to scale solutions that matter.
As Africa continues to push for universal access to water and sanitation, initiatives like the African Women in WASH Awards signal an important shift. They place women’s leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship at the centre of sustainable development, where they have long belonged.
