The world has duly recognized and emphasized through the many world conferences held during the past decennia that it does not wish to disregard half of the world population comprised of women. As a matter of fact, it is a key cross-cutting issue in the ten-year work plan of the Commission (CSD-11).
The implementation of water, sanitation and human settlement policies therefore forms an essential part of women’s lives, livelihoods, health and security. Implementation thus means as recognized by CSD-12, to mainstream gender in planning, decision-making and management and enhancing the roles and status of women as key stakeholders and agents of change.
