Water and Justice: Why a Just Transition Must Start with Clean Water

Every year, the World Day of Social Justice on February 20th calls attention to the need for fairness and equity in our global systems. This year’s theme, “Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future,” focuses on making sure no one is left behind as the world shifts toward a more sustainable economy.

When thinking about how clean water fits into this theme, I ran into an unusual challenge: every single story we’ve encountered in our work could apply. 

After all, water forms the foundation for a just transition. It determines whether a farmer can grow crops through increasingly erratic weather, whether a student can focus in school, and whether a healthcare worker can safely treat patients. Every person we’ve met who lacks access to safe, reliable water has been unjustly left behind — and every water project we’ve helped implement has been a step toward equity.

That’s because access to water is the foundation of justice. No community can build a sustainable, just future without first securing reliable access to clean water.

What is a Just Transition?

So what exactly is transitioning, and why does it need to be just?

The world is very clearly changing. Climate patterns are shifting, economies are evolving in response, and global policies are moving toward sustainability. But if these transitions exclude communities already lacking in vital resources, inequality will only deepen.

A just transition means ensuring that as the world adapts to change, no one is left behind. It means facilitating the tools and resources — like water access — that allow people to thrive in a changing world.

Water is the First Building Block of Justice

Before we can talk about education, decent work, or climate resilience, we have to talk about water.

One might argue that any form of deprivation — whether it’s lack of education, healthcare, or economic opportunity — is an injustice. And they’d be right. But unless you start with water, none of those other concepts can even begin to take shape.

When a person lacks water, their:

• Health suffers first. Waterborne illnesses are one of humanity’s biggest barriers to economic and social progress — and, of course, they’re entirely preventable.
• Time disappears. Hours spent fetching water are hours stolen from education, work, and community growth.
• Basic survival takes priority over progress. Without water, people can’t farm, can’t care for livestock, and can’t build better lives.

As a necessity for life, water comes before all others. Without it, social justice is just a distant dream.

To illustrate this, let’s take a look at how water changed a single person’s life: Kasembi’s.

Kasembi’s Story: A Just Transition in Action

A year ago, Kasembi and the 800 residents of Kamuuwani Community in Kenya relied on a single scoop hole in a dry riverbed for water. That water was contaminated, unreliable, and far from home.

“Last year, water was a constant struggle. The scoop hole at Iguini River was far — five kilometers is not a short distance, especially when you’re carrying heavy jerrycans back home,” Kasembi shared.

“The water was dirty, [and] contaminated with animal waste and dust, and many of us got sick from drinking it. I remember getting stomach upsets and typhoid more times than I can count. During the dry season, the scoop hole would run dry, and we’d be forced to buy water from motorbike vendors at a very high cost. It felt like we spent most of our time and money just trying to survive, with little energy left for farming or taking care of our animals.”

Kasembi’s story illustrates a hidden barrier to social justice: when people are constantly fighting for water, they’re blocked from participating in their own future.

But today, Kasembi’s life looks completely different.

Last year, generous donors made it possible for The Water Project to build a sand dam and well in Kamuuwani Community. Now, water is reliable, clean, and accessible.

“Fetching water here is like a dream compared to before. It’s close by, so I don’t have to spend hours walking or waiting in long lines. The water is clean and safe, and I don’t have to worry about my family getting sick,” Kasembi said.

With safe water available year-round, Kasembi can now focus on building her future, rather than just surviving.

“My health has improved so much. I used to get stomach upsets, typhoid, and amoeba often, but now I hardly fall sick. With clean water, my family and I are healthier and have more energy. I’ve been able to focus on my farm, and I’ve even started growing vegetables, something I couldn’t do before because, previously, we did not have enough water to irrigate our crops. Now, I have a thriving garden that helps feed my family.”

Access to clean water served as a turning point for Kasembi. Now, she has the opportunity to plan for a better future instead of just planning on how to survive from day to day.

“My dream is to expand my farm and grow even more crops to sell. I want to build a small irrigation system and maybe start keeping more livestock, like cows or goats. I hope to educate my children and give them opportunities I didn’t have.”

Kasembi’s story is a perfect example of what a just transition looks like in real life. She is no longer trapped in the cycle of water scarcity — she has the foundation to build a sustainable future.

A Just Transition Must Include Water for All

When we talk about a “just transition” toward a more sustainable world, we have to ask: who gets to participate?

Without access to safe water, communities like Kasembi’s get left behind. Climate change will continue to make rainfall less predictable and water sources more unreliable. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are suffering more from climate change fallout than richer nations despite having contributed the least to its formation. 

For these communities, safe and reliable access to water is one of the most powerful tools for fighting against climate change. With consistent water access, families can grow food, sustain livestock, and build resilience against droughts and erratic rainfall. Water security means fewer climate-driven displacements, better public health, and stronger economies.

Safe and reliable access to water ensures that as climate patterns shift, Kasembi’s community has the water they need to farm, earn a living, and adapt to a changing world.

A truly just transition requires investments in infrastructure that include rural and underserved communities. Without access to clean water, these communities remain excluded from economic progress.

You Can Help Build a More Just World

Kasembi’s journey from survival to sustainability was made possible by people like you.

Every community should have the chance to build their own better future, and that starts with water. Will you help bring water to another community in need today?

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