Advancing Water Security and Gender Equality in Yap through the Italian Project 
The College of Micronesia–FSM Cooperative Research and Extension (COM-FSM CRE) Program joins the global community on March 22 in commemorating World Water Day 2026, celebrated under the theme “Water and Gender” and the campaign message “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.” This year’s theme highlights the critical connection between water access and gender equality, emphasizing how improved water systems can empower women, strengthen communities, and promote sustainable development.
In many island communities across the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), access to safe and reliable water remains a daily challenge. Women and girls are often the primary managers of household water, responsible for collecting, storing, and ensuring water availability for cooking, cleaning, and family health. When water sources are scarce or unreliable, these responsibilities become more burdensome, limiting opportunities for education, economic activities, and community participation.
Recognizing these challenges, the COM-FSM CRE Program implemented targeted water security interventions under the Italian-funded initiative “Enhancing Water Security and Climate-Resilient Food Systems for Displaced Atoll Communities in Yap.” The project aims to strengthen climate resilience and improve living conditions for vulnerable atoll communities who have relocated to Yap Proper due to environmental pressures and limited resources on their home islands.
As part of this effort, the project recently completed the renovation and upgrading of rooftop rainwater harvesting systems at three atoll community settlements, Daboch, Ablul, and the Satawal community settlement. These improvements included repairing roofs, installing new gutter systems, and establishing or rehabilitating storage tanks designed to capture and store rainwater more efficiently.As part of this effort, the project recently completed the renovation and upgrading of rooftop rainwater harvesting systems at three atoll community settlements, Daboch, Ablul, and the Satawal community settlement. These improvements included repairing roofs, installing new gutter systems, and establishing or rehabilitating storage tanks designed to capture and store rainwater more efficiently.
The upgraded systems now enable households to harvest and store significantly larger volumes of rainwater. By improving the reliability of household water supplies, the initiative reduces the time and physical effort required to obtain water, an impact that particularly benefits women and girls who traditionally manage these responsibilities.
Beyond improving water availability, the initiative also contributes to greater dignity, health, and opportunities for women and families. With easier access to safe water, households can maintain better hygiene practices, support home gardens, and devote more time to education, livelihoods, and community activities.
Dr. Murukesan Krishnapillai, Researcher at the COM-FSM CRE Yap Campus and the project’s Director, emphasized that water security interventions must be closely linked to social inclusion and community resilience.
“Access to water is not only a matter of infrastructure, but also a matter of equity, dignity, and resilience. By strengthening rainwater harvesting systems in these communities, we are helping reduce the burden on women while improving the overall well-being of families and strengthening their capacity to adapt to climate change.”
The project’s approach aligns closely with global calls for greater gender inclusion in water governance and decision-making, recognizing that women’s knowledge and leadership are essential for sustainable water management in island environments.
As the world observes World Water Day 2026, the experience of the atoll communities in Yap demonstrates how simple but well-designed climate-resilient water solutions, such as rooftop rainwater harvesting, can transform daily life while advancing both water security and gender equality.
Through continued partnerships with communities and international supporters, the COM-FSM remains committed to promoting practical solutions that improve livelihoods, strengthen resilience to climate change, and ensure that where water flows, equality truly grows.
