Join For Water supports pilot projects to more explicitly explore mechanisms to promote the participation of women in water resource management. They have been summarised in a concise publication.
Water is a fundamental human right. Join For Water considers sustainable access to water as a fundamental
goal, whereby gender and inclusion is one of four core principles in our theory of change and programmatic work.
Gender refers not only to fairness and equality in relations between men and women, but in a much broader sense, our gender principle seeks to take into account and contrast any inequity and inequality, particularly towards groups who are vulnerable due to race, ethnicity, caste, class, age, (dis)ability, religion and many other factors. A community is not a group of equal people living in a given geographical area. Inequality between women and men and between different social groups in terms of respect for and enjoyment of their human rights requires an explicit gender perspective in a cross-cutting manner.
Women on the front line for rivers
Uganda – In 2022, Join For Water introduced the Women River Ambassadors (WORIAs), a model to involve women in nature conservation and water management. 75 women have now been trained as WORIAs, thanks to the cooperation of schools and teachers. These women each take care of a section of the river in the Mpanga catchment area, they plant trees to reduce the risk of flooding and call on their fellow villagers to respect a buffer zone along the river. Their vision has been sharpened and they continue to spread a positive message.
Niéléni for climate justice
Mali – The Niéléni – militant women – do not view environmental and water challenges from a male or Western perspective, but from a female and indigenous perspective. We strengthen these women’s groups, the Niéléni, to stand up for their right to a piece of land to cultivate. The ambassadors of the Niéléni help draw up climate adaptation plans for their communities and give visibility to the specific needs and contributions of women. The experiences with the Woria of Uganda help address gender-specific challenges when it comes to growing vegetables and more water-efficient agriculture.
Strengthening women’s voices in transboundary water management
The Andes – In 2023, the binational Water School for women was launched, under the impetus of our partner Protos Andes, with participants from the villages, farmers’ organisations, civil society, etc. Networks were created and the leadership qualities of the women were strengthened. This led to the creation of the Committee for Female Defenders of the Mayo-Chinchipe Basin, which works to protect the watershed.
Empowering women in agriculture and watershed management
Benin – Women depend on small-scale agriculture, but often lack the necessary tools and training. Their ability to adapt to climate change is therefore limited. Join For Water wants to strengthen their position. We strive for management committees that are led by a woman, because they can just as easily take on a role in change processes and policy plans (Dangbo and Aguégués). In Athiémé, water-efficient irrigation systems were installed for 26 producers, including 17 women. They now have reliable access to groundwater for their crops, which provides them with a stable income and greater resilience to climate change.
Empowering women in agriculture and community forest management
DR Congo – In the Tshopo region, Join For Water supports (cocoa) farmers, with special attention for the women. They make up 26% of the farmers we work with. Women carry important responsibilities in the management committees for community forest management. In Idiofa, in the Kwilu region, women have gained access to irrigation water for their crops, which provides them with a stable income and greater resilience to climate change. Additional training and support in the management of water resources, infrastructure and production techniques is planned.
Read Gender inclusion in water management: Join For Water projects 2022-2025