This paper presents an overview of the theoretical, methodological and policy issues that are evident both in the extant literature on the subject as well as in the set of papers that are included in this special issue. In providing such an overview, this paper also develops an analytical framework using a schematic representation of some of the most important layers and pathways that underlie the water-poverty-gender nexus. Based on the overview and discussion, this paper attempts: (a) to indicate approaches and strategies for using water as a key instrument to address poverty and gender concerns and (b) to identify the research gaps in order to set the direction for ongoing and future research at the water-poverty-gender interface.