A letter from the Chairlady of GWA

Dear members,

In this opportunity I would like to share with you some important information on key developments that have taken place within GWA in the last months.

After many years of operating on informal basis, GWA legally registered under Dutch law on 8 February 2005. At the moment all efforts are made to take care that all the necessary procedures are in place to ensure the efficient operation of the organisation.

Until now GWA engaged the International Water and Sanitation Centre IRC to provide administrative and financial services to its Secretariat, which also included the secondment of one of its staff members as Executive Secretary. A couple of weeks ago a final agreement was reached with IRC for the provision of their services until the end of June 2005. GWA’s Steering Committee appreciates and thanks IRC and its staff members who were involved with GWA for the support provided over the past years.

Considering the latest developments and to ensure a smooth transition process, the Steering Committee in its last meeting requested its member based in the Netherlands –Mrs Joke Muylwijk- to consider stepping down from her position in this governing body to take over the responsibility of leading the Secretariat on an interim basis until the end of the year. Mrs Muylwijk resigned to her position as a Steering Committee member and since April 1st the process of transfer of information started and should be completed by the end of June without any problems.

The Steering Committee has full confidence that Mrs Muylwijk who brings all the expertise and professionalism required by GWA at this important moment of its development will be able to meet the challenges ahead and take GWA into its next level of development and therefore commits its full support to her. I have no doubts that the members, as a whole share these feelings and will also commit their unconditional support and join the Steering Committee in wishing Mrs Muylwijk a successful and fruitful period in her new working environment.

The fundraising efforts continue and we hope to ensure funding to support relevant processes and valuable activities in the coming years. The results of the fundraising will define the precise time frames for the implementation of previous decisions of the Steering Committee.

Please take note that from 1st July onwards the location and contacts for the Secretariat are as follows:

GWA Secretariat

P.O. Box 114

6950 AC Dieren

Tel: +31 313 427230

Fax: +31 313 427230

Email: secretariat@gwalliance.org

Visiting address: Hogestraat 20

6953 AT Dieren

Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all GWA members who have played a key role in the implementation of activities of the organisation.

If you have any questions or require clarifications, please feel free to contact the Secretariat.

Best regards

Ethne Davey

Chairlady

Gender and Water Alliance