The paper starts by introducing some water supply and sanitation policy changes. The author then shares her lessons based on experience while reminding the reader to avoid the panacea attitude. Women's participation can improve water and sanitation, but only if it does not result in an increase of workload, financial, and/or time burdens for women. Involving women in planning and decision-making processes can be strategically beneficial when considering gender in its integrity. This means that women are part of a community, with different roles, needs, and responsibilities.