WOMEN: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

Contextualization

The session discussed how to foster the participation, not only of women, but of all water users, society entities and public agencies, can bring new solutions to water-related problems, avoid waste of investment, carry out more sustainable projects, set goals to reduce hunger, child mortality and improve gender equality. Outlining the current picture of women’s participation, even in places where there is numerical gender equality, it can be said that they influence but do not decide on the strategic issues of water resources management. The challenges involve a significant cultural change about women’s role in society and water management, not only as the one who organizes, manages, provides technical and operational support for things to happen, but also has the power to put in, at the center of discussions and decisions, their point of view. These are relevant issues to women, which are the majority of users of water resources and have the power to influence the quality, availability and regulation of its supply.

Recommendations

As recommendations to achieve the goals set by 2030 in SDGs 5 and 6, changes in the mindset and recognition of women’s contribution will be needed; share and division of roles, egalitarian representations and integration between men and women in management, especially in decision making; guidance on equality and equity; availability of financial and non-financial resources; professional technical training at different levels to empower women; presentation of gender disaggregated data; involvement of all stakeholders, local community, government and civil society in the search for the association between gender equality and access to water and sanitation.

Conclusions

Overcoming the challenge of inequality will involve education, training, awareness, articulation and mobilization actions. A fundamental transformation is necessary, requiring action at all levels. It is a continuous and gradual process of transformation.