Gender mainstreaming in IWRM

Integrated Water Resources Management refers to the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources for optimising economic and social welfare without compromising the sustainability of vital environmental systems. Optimising development implies recognising that women and men of all strata have different requirements and often unequal opportunities for domestic and productive uses of water and the use of catchment areas and that women and the poor generally have fewer opportunities to share in and benefit from development and management. Changing practices for greater equity is required through more effective mobilisation of human resources and institutional capacities and resulting in more logical sharing of burdens, benefits and responsibilities between women and men.

The World Water Vision has declared that every woman, man and child must have access to safe and adequate water, sanitation and food, but also be responsible for ensuring maintenance of the ecosystem. Governments are urged to involve interest groups in all levels of decision and policy making, and to establish and strengthen mechanisms at national, regional and international levels to facilitate the required participation of all stakeholders.

The Gender and Water Alliance aims to contribute to enabling governments to concretely implement these recommendations, and incorporate gender and equity practices into legislation, policies, and decision-making processes concerning design and management of water resources and systems. It will help to establish mechanisms according to local conditions and needs, and so ensure equitable and meaningful participation of all interests groups in managing water resources. It will also contribute to mobilising the rights and meeting the demands of poor women and men to have affordable working and accountable services.