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TitleRemember gender : it makes a difference
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2000
Authorsvan Wijk-Sijbesma, CA, de Jong, D, Francis, J
Paginationp. 25-28 : 3 photogr.
Date Published2000-04-01
Keywordsgender, integrated approach, sdigen, water resources management
Abstract

Mainstreaming a gender perspective involves a process of assessing the complex relationships between productive and domestic uses of water and its implications for women and men. At the same time, applying a gender perspective in water management results in greater efficiency and effectiveness, improved environmental sustainability and greater equity. It is key to count with the full commitment to the process of mainstreaming gender in the entire system of water resources management. Despite the achievements there is still quite a lot to be done. For this the Gender and Water major group session during the Ministers Conference met to demonstrate the relevance of addressing gender issues and constraints, defining the gaps in the application of a gender perspective and raising commitment for proposed strategies and activities for the future.

The article summarises the topics and experiences presented during the parallel workshops. Instittutional change for operationalising gender in the overall water sector is a crucial aspect. The participants highlighted the lack of porgress in addressing the female character of poverty and the equitable access to education and gender equality in legal issues. The 15 resulting recommendations centre on gender equality and creating the right environment for particpatory approaches and women’s representation in water management bodies and decision-making processes.

Three issues were identified as insufficiently recognised: lack of water as a determinant of poverty, the economic importance of water security for productivity, health and educational progress and the insufficient attention to gender issues in programmes. For addressing these issues, the Ministers were asked to consider issues dealing with legal matters, data management and investments.

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