Water In Africa Launches Comprehensive Gender-Sensitive Policy at Adukrom-Akuapem.

Adukrom-Akuapem: Water in Africa Through Everyday Responsiveness (WATER), a nongovernmental organization, has initiated a gender-sensitive policy in the Okere District Assembly aimed at fostering gender equity within the operational districts of Okere, Akuapem North, and South. This initiative underscores the organization's commitment to integrating gender considerations into its water and sanitation efforts.According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Minta Aboagye, Executive Director of WATER, emphasized that the newly introduced gender policy is designed to complement the national gender policy. He highlighted that prior to this initiative, WATER engaged in extensive discussions with the Okere, Akuapem North, and Akuapem South districts to assess community needs. This approach aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal six, which seeks to ensure universal access to water and sanitation by 2030.Mr. Aboagye further explained that WATER aims to incorporate findings from these discussions into its program planning, ensuring inclusivity across all initiatives. He expressed gratitude to the Ghana Health Service, the Ghana Education Service, and the district assemblies for their collaboration and information sharing, which were instrumental in the project's establishment.The NGO has reported success in providing several boreholes and standpipes across the three districts, with support from ANESVAD, a Spanish external donor. In addition to infrastructure improvements, WATER has focused on educating communities about skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (sNTDs) like yaws, Buruli Ulcer, and leprosy, dispelling myths about their spiritual origins.In the Meta community, WATER has constructed 15 household toilets to combat open defecation. Mr. Christian Fiador, Eastern Region NTD Coordinator, praised WATER for its efforts in alleviating the burden of sNTDs on impoverished individuals and encouraged continued support from stakeholders and philanthropic entities.The Coordinating Directors of Okere and Akuapem S outh districts pledged their ongoing support for WATER's initiatives, vowing to ensure the proper use and maintenance of facilities provided by the NGO. Additionally, WATER donated two laptops, brochures, and flyers to health directorates in the three districts to support WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) activities.