In the second episode of “Women in Water” titled The Right to Water, the spotlight is on Sareen Malik, a prominent advocate for water governance and human rights.
With over 15 years of expertise, Sareen leads the African Civil Society Network on Water and Sanitation, spanning 40+ countries, and serves as Vice Chair of the Sanitation and Water for All Steering Committee.
The episode dives deep into Sareen’s journey, from her beginnings in Nairobi, Kenya, to becoming a global leader in water governance. Sareen shares how her advocacy work began with Transparency International Kenya, tackling corruption and strengthening democratic systems. She emphasizes that the global water crisis is fundamentally a governance issue, underscoring the importance of integrity and policy in equitable water management.
Key highlights include Sareen’s explanation of the human right to water and sanitation. She elaborates on the criteria: water must be sufficient, safe, acceptable, accessible, and affordable. Drawing on global frameworks like the 2010 UN Resolution 64/292, Sareen illustrates how access to water is a linchpin for achieving broader human rights and sustainable development goals.
The episode The Right to Water, also sheds light on the disproportionate burden women face in water access, with poignant stories about the challenges they endure, from collecting water to the gendered impacts of inadequate sanitation. Sareen discusses her advocacy for gender-sensitive policies and legislation, including her work on laws addressing sextortion in water access—a groundbreaking step in linking water governance with human dignity.
Listeners are invited to reflect on their role in advocating for water rights, from raising awareness to supporting organizations that ensure equitable access. Sareen’s advice for young leaders is equally powerful: stay tenacious, know your purpose, and strive for justice.
Catch the full episode on Spotify or YouTube to explore how “the water that connects us all” can also unite us in building a more just and equitable world.
Visit Women in Water section for more insights and updates.
Responses