Speaking during the 4th International Forum of Professional Women for Water, Sanitation and Environment on Sunday in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, President of the Ivorian Network Léontine Koffi said this is essential as it will ensure that women gain knowledge on their role in the water and sanitation sector.

She observed this will not only benefit the women but also their countries in achieving sustainable development goals.

Concurring with Koffi, Executive Director of the African Water and Sanitation Association (AFWASA) Dr Sylvian Usher said training young women in the water and sanitation programs will improve the capacity of sanitation management and help in sustainable management of resources.

On the other hand, another speaker, Minister of Waters and Forests of Côte d'Ivoire Laurent Tchagba, said the significant contribution of women to sustainable management of water resources contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal Number 6 which states that by 2030, water and sanitation should be accessible to all and countries should increase water-use efficiency across all sectors.

Meanwhile, Malawi's representative in the network Lesa Banda, Projects Accountant for Lilongwe Water Board, whose CEO is AFWASA's Southern African Regional Vice President, said the forum is important for Malawi as its ideas help in the development of the WASH sector in the country.

"We are just trying to share experiences and learn from each other. At the end of the day, we will have a declaration which will be shared to member countries and will serve as an action plan. I'm hoping Malawi and other countries will follow it," she said.