AfWASA and RWSN Launch the “African Women in WASH Awards”
The African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) and the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN) are organizing the first edition of the African Women in WASH Awards, a continental initiative dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the leadership of African women in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector.
Across Africa, women are redefining leadership in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector. From managing utilities and innovating technology, to advancing inclusive policies and mobilising communities, women are making critical, measurable contributions to WASH outcomes often in environments with limited support or visibility.
Yet, despite this growing presence, formal recognition of women’s achievements in WASH remains rare at the continental level.
The Women in Water in Africa Awards aims to fill this gap not as a symbolic gesture, but as a strategic platform to celebrate excellence, amplify innovation, and inspire investment in women-led solutions.
[Click here to nominate your candidate]
Vision and Objectives of the Awards
The main objective is to establish a future where women are recognized as key agents of change and hold prominent leadership roles, from policy-making to field-level implementation. Other objectives includes:
- Recognise Excellence: Honor female professionals with measurable contributions to WASH.
- Inspire Action: Create role models for girls and young professionals.
- Promote Inclusivity: Prioritise LNOB, ensuring rural, disabled, and low-income women are visible.
- Foster Networking: Build a high-profile platform for collaboration.
- Showcase Impact: Amplify stories demonstrating the link between women’s leadership and community health, climate resilience, and economic development.
- Influence Policy: Advocate for gender-inclusive leadership positions within water institutions and governments.
- Legacy & Long-Term Impact: Establish a Mentorship & Legacy Program linking the Top 30 women with Rising Stars and grassroots innovators, building intergenerational learning and amplifying AfWASA’s existing Gender Specialist Group and RWSN LNOB Thematic area.
[Click here to nominate your candidate]
Nomination and Judging Process
Eligibility: African women professionals at all career stages (18+), from grassroots to policy level, including individuals, teams, CSOs, and media.
Nomination Requirements:
- Nominee’s full name, organization, country, and contact details
- Category of nomination
- Not more than 500-word statement highlighting achievements, impact, and LNOB considerations
- Supporting evidence: media, publications, testimonials, photos, videos
- Nominator details: name, organization, country, and email
📅 Nomination period: 10 December 2025 – 19 January 2026
Judging Panel / Jury Details
An independent, high-level panel of 7–12 members will guide the Awards process, ensuring technical rigor, geographic and sectoral diversity, and LNOB inclusion. The panel will conduct a two-stage review; pre-screening for eligibility, followed by expert evaluation for impact, leadership, innovation, and inclusivity. Panelists will also support the Mentorship & Legacy Program, linking Top 30 Women with emerging leaders.
AWARD CATEGORIES
- Top Woman in WASH Leadership Award: Celebrates exceptional leadership driving transformation across water, sanitation, and hygiene systems.
- Inclusive Innovation & Entrepreneurship Award: Honours women-led solutions that are affordable, scalable, and designed for marginalised communities.
- Indigenous Impact & Grassroots Champion: Recognises women making measurable change at the local level through collective action and service delivery.
- Policy & Advocacy Trailblazer Award: Highlights those shaping inclusive governance, accountability, and rights-based reforms in the water sector.
- Youth Rising Star (Under 35): Spotlights emerging leaders advancing equity, climate resilience, and innovation in WASH.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Pays tribute to enduring contributions that have shaped institutions, inspired generations, and advanced the sector.
Contact Information
📌 Dr. Leticia Ackun – lackun@afwasa.org
📌 Euphresia Luseka – Euphresia_Luseka@outlook.com
