The AWF promotes consideration of gender and social equality themes in the context of water resources development, management and WASH service delivery in Africa. Women and girls are often the primary users, providers and managers of water and sanitation in their households, and the guardians of personal and domestic hygiene. Stemming from this viewpoint, gender inequities in water resources access, and efforts to empower women in the use and management of water resource, are incorporated within AWF’s investment project preparation work as a cornerstone of equitable and sustainable development. Similarly, in supporting catalytic investments, priority is given to innovative projects that contribute to gender equality. Effort is also made to attract gender-focused investors, pro-poor business financiers and other niche funds. At the organizational level, the AWF strives for gender parity in its staffing and continuously reviews and works to remove barriers to the hiring, retention, and promotion of women at the workplace.