Why gender equality and clean water access go hand-in-hand
World Water Day and Women’s Month coincided this year, making Waves For Water (W4W) Philippines’ 2026 focus even more impactful, with the celebration of World Water Day heralded by interactive and creative installations, musical performances, and awareness-driven brand collaborations—all of which aim to emphasize the water-related challenges that women, girls, and communities across the Philippines face.
These efforts also aim to spotlight W4W Philippines’ mission of bringing clean water access to those who need it most.
Women and gender equality
Around the world, women and girls in rural areas journey six kilometers daily to collect water, often from sources that are not yet safe to drink. Time spent collecting water also meant missed school days for girls and limited opportunities for economic advancement for women, while lack of access to clean water and sanitation also put women and girls at higher risk due to potential health complications during childbirth and menstruation.
This is why W4W Philippines’ mission and celebration works towards addressing these problems through innovative clean water solutions.
Interactive installations
At this year’s World Water Day celebration—held at Alabang Town Center—treadmills meant to simulate the journey women and girls take daily to get water, were set up for mallgoers to experience.
But more than just providing a glimpse of the lived experience of affected communities, the installation also served as a way for mallgoers to participate in the solution. For every six kilometers completed, W4W Philippines would donate one water filtration system to a community in need.
Other supporters were also encouraged to #Walk4Water and track their steps going around Alabang Town Center while visiting W4W’s store partners, such as Henry’s Cameras, Klean Kanteen PH, and Columbia Sportswear PH. Blk Cosmetics also provided giveaways to those who participated in the activities.
Through the combined efforts of supporters, the clean water treadmill and #Walk4Water activity yielded a donation of 17 water filtration systems with a total of 102 kilometers walked. Each water filter can serve up to four households if placed in a community setting or it can also serve up to a hundred people if placed in a school, evacuation center, community kitchen, or barangay health care center.
Apart from the water filters, guests also learned about W4W Philippines’ standalone handwashing stations and water-efficient toilets—two solutions focused on promoting sanitation and hygiene access in schools and communities.
“Alabang Town Center has always been more than just a lifestyle destination; it is a space where the community comes together for meaningful change,” says marketing manager Ann Manzanero. “We are incredibly proud to partner with Waves For Water Philippines for World Water Day. By hosting this initiative, we hope to inspire our ‘Townies’ to take collective action in protecting our most vital resource and ensuring clean water access for all.”
Since its founding in 2013, W4W Philippines has helped over 2,000,000 Filipinos with 34,502 water filters implemented, 163 rainwater catchment tanks built, and 1,394 stand-alone handwashing stations installed.
