Watch
Women adapt to Sudan’s water crisis
Climate change, combined with political instability and population, are pushing communities to the brink in Sudan. Like many farmers in the country, Nina Elmassad lacks the income and expertise to adequately adapt her livelihood to climate shocks. A project led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and executed by Sudan’s Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources has helped 43 communities across the White Nile State to build resilience to climate change, with a particular focus on women and nature-based solutions.
Read
In a desperate attempt to collect water for their families amid prolonged drought, women are digging boreholes in the soil, but it comes with deep risks. Cholera outbreaks have been reported in the area due to contaminated water. Clean water is also essential for safe childbirth and maternal and newborn health. Travel with us to Angola and meet women impacted by this drought.
On a sweltering afternoon in Nusa Tenggara Timur Province in eastern Indonesia, women and children wait for drinking water to flow into their containers. Once forced to sail for up to two hours or walk up to 10 kilometres (6 miles) to get water from rivers or private tanker trucks, they can now travel just 5 to 30 minutes from home to a refill station or communal water tap. All of that thanks to these women.
UN Women’s “Water is Life” initiative (2025) improved access to clean water for women and families in drought-affected areas of Viet Nam. By providing water tanks, filtration systems and irrigation support, the project reduced daily water burdens, strengthened livelihoods and helped women better support their households and communities.