The distribution of power and resources—whether wealth, opportunity, or capability—is fundamentally unequal. In a world where some are questioning the value of social justice, it is worth noting that actions to address inequity aim to build, strengthen, and connect systems to achieve better services for all. Dismantling those systems that perpetuate injustice. Inequalities, whether intentional or inherited from societal structures, undermine the foundations of a healthy and prosperous society for everyone.
Putting gender and social inclusion (GESI) at the heart of systems thinking is the only way to address inequalities and discrimination based on race, gender, socio-economic status, and other grounds. IRC supports countries in building strong local and national water, sanitation, and hygiene services, underpinned by resilient systems. We know that we cannot build thriving communities or deliver meaningful services if we fail to integrate the fundamental attributes of social inclusion in our systems praxis. Tolerating social injustice or remaining blind to it is not an option.
Why human rights are a strong starting point?
The human rights framework provides a compelling and legitimate legal mandate to take action. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us with the authority and conviction to hold both ourselves and others accountable. It is a key driver for achieving social justice and a fairer world. On July 28, 2010, the Human Right to Water and Sanitation was formally acknowledged in General Assembly Resolution 64/292 and passed by consensus in 2015. This right entitles everyone to sufficient, safe, acceptable, physically accessible, and affordable water for personal and domestic use. States must also ensure, without discrimination, that everyone has physical and economic access to sanitation in all spheres of life, which is safe, hygienic, secure, socially and culturally acceptable, provides privacy, and ensures dignity.
Human rights are a set of global principles that guide and set standards for development by providing a universally accepted framework. These are fundamental rights and freedoms inherent to all individuals, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other status or identity. An array of gender and social inclusion frameworks provide a structured way to analyse approaches and align with the inclusivity principles of the human rights framework, with a particular focus on the inclusion of women.
It is imperative that we work on translating these international commitments to reach those at risk of being left behind through relevant country legislation, policies, and programmes. For safe and sustainable services to become a reality for everyone, the following human rights principles need to be embedded in water, sanitation, and hygiene systems strengthening activities at all levels: non-discrimination and equality, participation, right to information (transparency), accountability, sustainability (non-retrogression), and taking steps using the maximum available resources.
Who are excluded from services?
People are not accidentally at the margins or left behind; they are actively excluded by systems of power. Factors like gender, race, class, sexual orientation, or disability put people at risk of marginalisation and often result in exclusion from basic services like water, sanitation, housing, health, or a safe environment.
A building block lens
IRC is using a set of nine building blocks to break down the complexity of water, sanitation, and hygiene systems. The new social inclusion framework outlines the aspects that need to be in place within each building block for inclusive and rights-aligned water, sanitation, and hygiene systems to be realised. For example, when looking at the finance building block, dedicated budgets for equitable and accessible WASH services, affordable tariffs, and resources for participatory planning and decision-making are essential.
We are excited to share these two key pieces: a comprehensive framework on social inclusion and GESI, and a learning note developed as part of the WASH Systems For Health programme, that provides insights and practical guidance. These publications are crucial steps towards achieving social justice and ensuring that no one is left behind. We also recently published insights and key calls to action on social justice from the All Systems Connect International Symposium 2023, which paves the way for how IRC engages with this theme.
Stay tuned for more updates and join us in our commitment to building inclusive and resilient systems for all.
This article was written by Ruchika Shiva, Shiny Saha, and Sára Bori and consolidated with the help of Copilot. The work discussed in this article was supported by a series of innovation and learning focused conversations on social inclusion and justice within the One For All alliance.