Linking
Gender and Water
Gendering Water - Definition
According to Gender Water Alliance, the aim of gendering water is 'To
achieve equity and equality among women and men in sustainable water resources
development and management at all levels'. Thus, it does not only mean
the inclusion of some women - or 'the token woman' as it often happens
in decision-making - but to fully integrate women's voices expressing
women's needs, interests and aspirations in managing water as well as
men's as part of the core organizing principle.
Mission of GWN
The mission of GWN is: to promote women’s and men’s
equitable access to and management of safe and adequate water, for domestic
supply, sanitation, food security and environmental sustainability.
We believe that equitable access to and control over water is a basic
right for all, as well as a critical factor in promoting poverty eradication
and sustainability.
The goal is to achieve effective policies and practice on gender mainstreaming
in water resources management, with the ultimate aim to improve the
water access and availability situation of poor men and women. Following
Gender and Water Alliance (GWA), we believe that
- The promotion of water security for both men and women is integral
to the efficiency of water resource management initiatives and services.
- The equitable distribution of responsibilities, burdens and benefits
between women and men as well as their equal participation in dialogue
and decision-making in the development and management of sustainable
water resources.
- By working strategically and collaboratively, GWN like the GWA
can add value to the work of organizations working in the water sector
at the Asia-Pacific regional level as well as in the national and
local level in the area of gender mainstreaming.
- By working to strengthen the capacity and role of existing organizations
in gender mainstreaming it will be able to work in a manner that is
cost-effective and avoid duplication. By working collectively through
a strong networking arrangement with partners it can help to strengthen
the objectives of gender mainstreaming.
- We can have significant impact influencing the practice of existing
organizations working at the policy, planning, implementation and
research level in the water sector through activism and advocacy.
We can enhance the desired gender impact by mobilising commitments
from governments, agencies, professionals, the private sector, CBOs
and other civil society organizations to invest in resources required
for gender mainstreaming.
More on Gendering Water:
Gender, Water and Ecofeminism
From Vicitimhood to Agency
Streams of Thought - Thinking about Gender
Gender Mainstreaming in IWRM (Integrated Water
Resource Management)
Feminist Thoughts
