GESI in WASH Capacity Statement

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) is essential to overcome barriers that prevent the most vulnerable children and adults from achieving their full potential. Gender equality affords women and girls, men and boys, equal enjoyment of human rights, socially valued goods, opportunities, and resources. Social inclusion addresses inequality and/or exclusion of vulnerable populations by improving participation in society and enhancing opportunities, access to resources, voice, and respect for human rights.

World Vision is accelerating access to equitable WASH services for all by deepening our focus on the most vulnerable, especially in fragile contexts. We have long been committed to GESI within the WASH sector, recognising the unique burdens that poor WASH services place on women, girls, and marginalised groups such as the elderly, indigenous groups, persons living with disabilities (PLWDs), and people living in fragile contexts.

Moving beyond just access, providing equitable and inclusive WASH services empowers meaningful participation of marginalised groups by removing barriers, enabling decision-making and personal agency, and reinforcing positive and equitable social norms. Our vision is to provide transformative WASH services that appropriately respond to and reflect the choices and desires of the most vulnerable.