European Elections
The European Elections were recently held and we’re pleased to introduce the new representative Veerle ver Loren from Simavi. Veerle works at Simavi an organisation which focuses on local solutions for clean drinking water and safe toilets for all for women and girls in Africa and Asia. Simvani works every day for a world where women and girls have access to water, sanitation and equal treatment. A world where human rights, gender equality, water and climate justice are not controversial words, but self-evident principles.Â
Our deputy will be Alberto Guijarro from Ongawa, which is a development NGO and has a mission to put technology at the service of human development to create a fairer and more charitable society. Ongawa aims to create a world where human rights are protected, respected and promoted, while keeping in mind the well-being of future generations.
If you would like to get in touch with either Veerle or Alberto from Ongawa please contact:
Statement from Veerle:
I’m proud to join the Steering Committee of End Water Poverty, a global coalition working to advance the human rights to water and sanitation.End Water Poverty connects and amplifies civil society voices around the world, pushing for accountability, justice, and the recognition that water and sanitation are public rights—not commodities. For over 15 years, I’ve worked on campaigns that centre social justice, equity, and the power of civil society—from advocating for essential services at Oxfam to supporting community-led health solutions at Amref Health Africa. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to decolonising development and championing local leadership.
I look forward to contributing to this powerful movement, championing local leadership, and helping grow a coalition rooted in solidarity and action.
Water justice is essential. Let’s fight for it.
Grants Results
We’re excited to share the results of our latest funding round supporting local initiatives. In this cycle, we focused on organisations based in Asia and Latin America, recognising that previous funding rounds had prioritised work in Africa. We’re proud to support the following impactful projects:
SHIFA Welfare Association (Pakistan) Claim Water Rights in District Jacobabad, Sindh
Empowering communities to tackle water depletion and pollution, safeguard local watersheds, and push for climate justice through sustainable water management, awareness campaigns, advocacy, and policy reform.
Indian Institute of Youth and Development (India) Claiming WASH Entitlements
Strengthening communities’ ability to claim their rights to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) by engaging and holding duty bearers to account in India.
SARAR Capacitación (Latin America)
Consulting and coordinating Latin American advocacy efforts by members of the EWP and Redes del Agua networks. The goal is to influence regional dialogues and the roadmap leading up to the UN Water Conference in 2026.
Mujeres en Desarrollo – MUDEM (Mexico)
Focused on influencing political will and shaping the legislative agenda in the Mixtecan region of Oaxaca State, to ensure the human right to water and sanitation (HRWS) for dispersed rural communities is prioritised and implemented.
Members Activities
NAYO Prepares for Key Phase in Global Partnership Monitoring Round
The National Association of Youth Organisations (NAYO) is gearing up for the Dialogue and Action phase of the 4th Monitoring Round as Zimbabwe’s designated CSO Focal Point. Following recent training, NAYO is now positioned to lead civil society participation in this crucial stage, which fosters collaboration among government, development partners, CSOs, and other stakeholders to enhance the enabling environment and development partnerships. As part of its role, NAYO will coordinate CSO dialogues, engage with national and UN stakeholders, and produce a shadow report to ensure civil society voices shape national priorities. Zimbabwe is currently in the Data Collection and Review Phase, with the transition to action set for March to June 2025.
MUDEM and the Mixtecan Water Agenda
Mujeres en Desarrollo (Women for Development) is a community-based organization founded by an Indigenous woman. At the age of nine, her mother took her out of their village to protect her from being forced into marriage. That decision changed her life. Living in the city and attending university gave her a different perspective to envision a different future – not just for herself, but for other women and girls from the Mixtecan region (indigenous area of a southern state in Mexico), where she was born. Determined to make a difference, she returned to her community. Thirty years have passed since that first visit back, and in 2013, she officially founded MUDEM.
Today, she is recognized by municipal leaders and local authorities as a driving force behind efforts to bring safe water and sustainable sanitation to underserved communities. In 2023 with EWP support, Mudem developed a campaign approaching candidates to be elected, to sign a commitment towards water and sanitation, and to be part of the implementation of a road map coordinated by MUDEM to develop the Mixtecan Water Agenda and prioritise Water and Sanitation into the subregional political agenda. In 2025, MUDEM with the support of the EWP mini grant and other funding partners will start implementation of this Road map with key actors such as local authorities, communities and other NGOs working in the subregion. Â
Africa Demands Climate Justice Ahead of COP29
As COP29 unfolds in Azerbaijan, African civil society is calling out the broken promises of climate finance and demanding real action. Despite contributing only 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa bears the brunt of climate impacts – from droughts and floods to energy crises and mass displacement. Wealthy nations have failed to deliver on financial commitments for adaptation, leaving millions in poverty to face escalating climate risks. The message is clear: climate justice means funding adaptation now. Africa’s forests, oceans, and water systems are vital to global carbon balance – protecting them requires urgent investment. Without substantial adaptation support, Africa cannot meaningfully contribute to global emissions reductions. It’s time to move beyond promises and deliver real resources.
[With thanks to Pierre Panda from Green Ark Committee; DR Congo shared the above information on COP29]
Research Agenda: Community Water Management
In 2023, End Water Poverty identified key research themes and secured funding to undertake studies aimed at supporting its members in strengthening advocacy efforts and advancing water rights. This research also contributes to EWP’s media and policy advocacy by building a robust evidence base. The research fund enabled EWP to lead the #HearingtheUnheardHRWS campaign in collaboration with partner organisations, resulting in the Leave No One Behind policy brief, which was launched at the 2024 World Water Forum in Bali.
In 2024, the Steering Committee agreed that the next phase of research will focus on community water management and self-supply. This work will begin by distinguishing between these two concepts, exploring their intersections with land tenure and water access, and highlighting the central role of women in community water management. All of this will be considered within the framework of state obligations to respect, fulfil, and protect the human rights to water and sanitation, including aspects such as water quality and affordability
Secretariat updates
In June, our Chair, Ojobo Utuluku, will be stepping down after serving two terms. She has guided EWP through several transitional periods and, in the past year, has supported the Steering Committee in advancing a stronger, southern-led governance model. We are very grateful to our Chair and on behalf of the whole membership and Steering Committee members we thank Ojobo for the time and work given to our End Water Poverty Coalition.
At the first quarterly meeting of 2025, the Steering Committee elected Georgina Vidriales as Vice Chair. Georgina, the Latin America representative, is the co-coordinator of Redes del Agua México and the Engagement Director at Senderos y Encuentros para un Desarrollo Autónomo Sustentable (SENDAS A.C.) in Veracruz. She will serve as Acting Chair until a new Chair is elected. We welcome Georgina and thank her for the support she will provide in this important period for EWP.