The relationship between women’s health and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions in slum areas is a critical yet underexplored facet of sustainable development. This research investigates how inadequate WASH infrastructure disproportionately affects the health and well-being of women in urban slums, exacerbating gender inequities and hindering progress towards global development goals. Slum areas often experience poor access to clean water, sanitation facilities and hygiene resources, leading to heightened health risks such as waterborne diseases, reproductive health complications and chronic illnesses. Women are particularly vulnerable due to biological and sociocultural factors, including their roles in caregiving and water collection. This study combines quantitative data analysis with qualitative insights gathered through fieldwork, focusing on slums. It evaluates the impact of WASH conditions on women’s physical and mental health, as well as their ability to participate in economic and educational activities. The findings reveal significant correlations between inadequate WASH infrastructure and adverse health outcomes, emphasising the need for gender-sensitive interventions in slum development policies. Improved WASH conditions not only enhance health outcomes but also empower women by reducing time burdens, ensuring safety and fostering greater equality.