Water is a women’s issue.

It’s an important adage, one that highlights how we expect governments to prioritize investments in safe drinking water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and water resource management. It links to the theme of this year’s World Water Day, too.

Not only did the 56th Commission on the Status of Women focus on the needs of rural women and girls—where access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation can be a significant barrier to equity, empowerment, health and education—but we had huge news from the UN just last week: The Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target on access to safe water worldwide has been reached.