It is estimated that over 2.4 billion people globally lack access to basic sanitation and more than a billion of these are practicing open defecation. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for about half of these. Poor sanitation facilities and unsafe hygiene practices have accounted for diarrheal diseases – a big child killer, stunted growth and malnutrition of children in Africa. Inadequate sanitation facilities and lack of menstrual hygiene affect the education and productivity of women and girls and also have an impact on their dignity and personal safety Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC).

AWWASHNet’s focus will be to build the capacity of its members to carry out communication and hygiene promotion and community-led total sanitation in their various countries and communities.

AWWASHNet will also advocate for women’s concerns to be taken into account in the planning and designing of sanitation and hygiene policies and programs regionally and globally. As well as ensuring that women are active participants in debates and decision-making processes on sanitation and hygiene at the regional and global level.