Launch of Travelling Exhibit on Gender and Water in Islamabad, Pakistan

On 13th February 2009 DAMAAN Development Organization, in collaboration with Aurat Foundation and SUNGI Development Foundation launched the GWA Travelling Exhibit in Islamabad, Pakistan. Entitled "Gender and Water: insights, innovation and transformation" the exhibition had as its chief guest Dr Zil-e-Huma, Member National Assembly & Parliamentary Secretary for Womens Development.

The Exhibition, held at the Holiday Inn hotel, displayed 8 printed panels, covering 6 important themes related to women's access and management of water, and the immense problems they face in them. One of these panels - Gender Justice in Water for Livelihoods - was specific to Pakistan due to the relevance of the theme here.

The proceedings of the entire day were simultaenously translated into Urdu. The speakers highlighted the apathy and neglect shown by public authorities in involving women in the modern-day interventions in irrigation and agriculture, and advocated active participation and decision-making by women in natural resource management in their local environments. As GWA member Wasim Wagha aptly put it " the relationship of women with water is not only that of right, but also of responsibility".

Press release of the event in Islamabad (click on the picture for an enlarged view)