The COWASH IV presented practical, evidence-based lessons from the project’s gender-transformative and inclusive WASH programming in Ethiopia during global policy discussions at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). The Project Gender and Inclusion Specialist Firewoyni Solomon and Development Advisor Pietari Arikka represented COWASH IV at the United Nations Headquarters from March 9-19,2026.

Advancing Inclusive Policy through Field Evidence 

The project team used the global platform to demonstrate how community-led WASH models and gender transformative approaches transition women from beneficiaries to active decision-makers. The team shared insights with international NGOs and government delegates, highlighting the critical links between WASH services, menstrual health as a human right, gender-responsive climate action and disability inclusion. These discussions demonstrated how the project’s community-led successes translate into practical solutions for global sustainable development priorities. By sharing practical lessons from the field, the team also presented COWASH IV’s implementation in Ethiopia as a scalable blueprint for inclusive gender-transformative programming in low-resource environments.

From Policy to Action

Key messages emerging from CSW70 emphasized that gender equality must move beyond policy commitments into concrete and measurable action. Discussions also highlighted that climate justice is not gender‑neutral and that women’s leadership must be meaningful rather than symbolic. These global mandates affirm the value of COWASH IV’s experience and continued initiatives to advance women’s leadership, gender-responsive climate action and inclusive governance within community-based WASH systems. They further demonstrate that the project ongoing work in these areas aligns with international best practices.

Upcoming Global Dialogue

Following the session in New York, the team established new professional connections for future collaboration. As a direct result, Development Advisor Pietari Arikka will join an expert panel in mid-April for the webinar “Rewiring Climate Systems: Women Redesigning Governance and Finance Across Africa and the Caribbean.” The upcoming event will connect CSW70 insights to practical experiences in gender-responsive climate governance and adaptation strategies across the continent.