GENCGOV is delighted to celebrate the recognition of our Global Research Lead, Dr. Pedi Chiemena Obani, in the inaugural 100 African Women Leading Africa’s Water & Sanitation Future compendium.
Published by the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) and the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN), the inaugural continental compendium recognises 100 women whose leadership is transforming how water and sanitation systems are designed, governed, financed and sustained across Africa. It was established to document and amplify the contributions of women whose work is shaping more equitable, resilient and sustainable water and sanitation systems across the continent.
If climate change is leading to droughts or water scarcity, it automatically means less water for a woman to drink and for hygiene, and for those who have caring responsibilities, it means less water overall.
Pedi Obani PhD, SFHEA
A Recognition Rooted in Justice, Rights and Governance
Dr. Obani is recognised for her contributions to water governance, climate justice, and the human rights to water and sanitation. As President of the Board of Human Right 2 Water and Chairperson of the ILA Nigeria Committee on Women, International Law and Development, her work advances legal and policy approaches that strengthen rights-based and gender-responsive water governance.
Leadership Through GENCGOV
Through her UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellowship hosted at the University of Bradford, Dr. Obani leads GENCGOV, an international research programme examining how climate governance can become more inclusive, equitable and responsive to the lived experiences of women and marginalised communities. Working across research, policy and practice, the programme brings together governments, academic institutions, civil society organisations and communities to generate evidence that supports more just climate and environmental governance.
Advancing Inclusive Water and Climate Governance
The recognition also reflects the growing importance of interdisciplinary approaches to water governance. Access to water and sanitation cannot be separated from broader questions of climate resilience, environmental justice, public health, gender equality and sustainable development. Addressing these interconnected challenges requires legal, policy and governance frameworks that centre equity, participation and accountability.
Celebrating Women’s Leadership Across Africa
As the compendium observes, women continue to play a central role in water and sanitation systems while remaining underrepresented in many leadership and decision-making spaces. By documenting the achievements of women across Africa, the publication seeks not only to recognise excellence but also to inspire future leaders and strengthen more inclusive governance across the sector.
At GENCGOV, we see this recognition as an affirmation of the collaborative work being undertaken with partners across Africa and beyond to advance gender-responsive climate governance, strengthen evidence-informed policymaking, and promote environmental justice.
We warmly congratulate Dr. Obani on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to continuing our collective work towards more equitable, inclusive and sustainable futures.
