Harnessing the Power of Women’s Leadership in Urban WASH
In the bustling city of Hyderabad, India, where rapid urbanization has outpaced the growth of formal water and sanitation infrastructure, a remarkable transformation is underway. Women-led community groups are emerging as the vanguard of change, empowering marginalized residents of the city’s informal settlements to access reliable and equitable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.
These grassroots initiatives, supported by innovative partnerships and progressive policy frameworks, are redefining the landscape of urban service delivery. By placing women at the center of community mobilization and service provision, they are not only improving WASH outcomes but also driving broader social and economic empowerment.
Addressing the WASH Gap in Hyderabad’s Informal Settlements
Hyderabad, like many rapidly growing cities in the developing world, is grappling with the challenge of providing essential services to its burgeoning population. According to the latest World Cities Report 2022, over 30% of Hyderabad’s urban residents live in informal settlements, often referred to as “slums” (UN-Habitat, 2022). These settlements, characterized by inadequate housing, limited access to water and sanitation, and poor overall living conditions, are the byproduct of urbanization outpacing the capacity of formal service providers.
“The scale of the challenge is immense,” explains Anjali Sharma, a community development expert with the Hyderabad-based NGO Habitat for Humanity. “Thousands of families in these informal settlements lack access to clean water, proper toilets, and even basic waste management services. The health and livelihood impacts on vulnerable communities are profound.”
Table 1: WASH Service Coverage in Hyderabad’s Informal Settlements
| Service | Coverage Rate |
|---|---|
| Piped Water Access | 45% |
| Improved Sanitation | 35% |
| Solid Waste Collection | 25% |
Source: Hyderabad City Development Strategy 2020
Empowering Women as WASH Service Providers
In response to this pressing need, a growing number of women-led community groups in Hyderabad’s informal settlements are stepping up to become the frontline providers of WASH services. Leveraging their deep understanding of local needs and their strong social capital within their communities, these groups are collaborating with municipal authorities, NGOs, and private sector partners to deliver sustainable WASH solutions.
“Women are the heart and soul of these communities,” says Rekha Devi, the leader of the Mahila Mandal, a women’s collective in the Banjara Hills informal settlement. “We know the struggles our families face in accessing clean water and decent sanitation. By organizing ourselves, we can work with the government and other stakeholders to bring these essential services to our doorsteps.”
The Mahila Mandal, like many other women-led groups, has established a community-based WASH enterprise that provides affordable and reliable services to local residents. This includes operating decentralized water treatment and distribution systems, managing community toilet complexes, and organizing waste collection and recycling initiatives.
“The key to our success is the strong sense of ownership and accountability that the community feels towards these services,” Rekha explains. “We don’t just deliver the services – we empower residents to participate in the planning, management, and maintenance of these critical facilities.”
Leveraging Partnerships and Policy Support
The rise of women-led WASH service providers in Hyderabad’s informal settlements has been catalyzed by a supportive policy environment and innovative multi-stakeholder partnerships. The Government of India’s Swachh Bharat Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) have provided funding and technical assistance to strengthen community-driven WASH initiatives, with a particular focus on engaging women as change agents.
“The policy landscape has shifted significantly in recent years,” says Aisha Khan, the head of the water and sanitation department at the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority. “We now recognize the vital role that community-based organizations, especially those led by women, can play in improving access and sustainability of WASH services in informal settlements.”
Hyderabad’s local government has also partnered with international development agencies, such as UN-Habitat and the Cities Alliance, to pilot innovative financing mechanisms and capacity-building programs for women-led WASH enterprises. These initiatives have helped to unlock the full potential of community-driven service delivery, while also strengthening the institutional and technical capacities of the women leaders involved.
Catalyzing Broader Social and Economic Impact
The empowerment of women as WASH service providers in Hyderabad’s informal settlements has catalyzed a wider ripple effect, transforming not only the physical infrastructure but also the social and economic fabric of these marginalized communities.
“When women take charge of WASH service delivery, it goes far beyond just improving access to water and sanitation,” explains Anjali Sharma. “It boosts their confidence, leadership skills, and economic standing within the community. It also promotes better health outcomes, particularly for women and children, and fosters a greater sense of community ownership and pride.”
Many of the women-led WASH enterprises have reinvested their revenues into funding local education, vocational training, and small business initiatives. This has created new livelihood opportunities and pathways for economic empowerment, especially for women and youth.
“Our work is not just about taps and toilets,” says Rekha Devi. “It’s about transforming the social and economic landscape of our community, one household at a time. When women are empowered to lead, the ripple effects are profound and lasting.”
Scaling Up and Replicating the Model
The success of women-led WASH service providers in Hyderabad’s informal settlements has not gone unnoticed. Municipal authorities, development partners, and civil society organizations are now exploring ways to scale up and replicate this model in other parts of the city and beyond.
“What we’ve seen in Hyderabad is a blueprint for how to effectively address the urban WASH crisis in a way that is inclusive, sustainable, and empowering for marginalized communities,” says Aisha Khan. “By investing in women’s leadership and community-driven solutions, we can create a healthier, more resilient, and more equitable future for all.”
The Joint Action for Water initiative, a collaborative platform bringing together local and national governments, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders, is playing a pivotal role in sharing knowledge, fostering cross-city learning, and securing the necessary resources to scale up the women-led WASH service model across India’s urban centers.
“The impact of these women-led initiatives is undeniable,” says Anjali Sharma. “As we look to the future, our goal is to ensure that every informal settlement in Hyderabad, and ultimately across the country, has access to reliable and equitable WASH services, powered by the passion and resilience of empowered women leaders.”
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Inclusive and Sustainable Urban WASH
The story of Hyderabad’s women-led WASH service providers is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of community-driven solutions and the critical role of gender equity in addressing the urban service delivery crisis. By placing women at the forefront of WASH service provision, these grassroots initiatives are not only improving access to essential services but also catalyzing broader social and economic empowerment.
As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of rapid urbanization and the growing WASH divide, the Hyderabad model offers a blueprint for a more inclusive, sustainable, and community-centered approach to urban service delivery. By investing in women’s leadership, fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships, and aligning with progressive policy frameworks, cities can unlock the full potential of community-based WASH enterprises to create a more equitable and resilient future for all.
