Women bear most of the burden of collecting, protecting, maintaining and storing water. In many developing countries, inadequate water supply is a major problem. In the 1980s, women’s roles in water management were partially recognised and their participation in water projects was promoted to a certain extent. Aid agencies often claim that their water projects deliver sustainable practical benefits to men and women alike. However, research from the University of Southampton, analysing water supply interventions in Nepal from a gender perspective, draws different conclusions. Despite the recognised need to involve women at all levels of water projects, the drinking water sector in Nepal is still insensitive to gender issues.