GESI reference guide: GESI & WASH

World Vision’s Global WASH Program aims to improve child well-being, health, nutrition, and education outcomes by ensuring access to sustainable and safely managed WASH services. However, in order to achieve our goals, WASH programs must integrate Gender Equality and Social Inclusion. Vulnerable groups — including women and girls, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities — often lack access to WASH services and are disproportionately affected by inadequate infrastructure. Harmful social norms further limit their participation in decision-making, while insufficient services increase risks such as violence, injury, and illness. World Vision’s GESI approach addresses these challenges by questioning harmful norms, changing power imbalances, and promoting equity in access, decision-making, participation, and well-being. The guide encourages field offices to innovate and share best practices, ensuring WASH services are inclusive, accessible, and transformative.