Gender-sensitive water management discussed at OSCE-supported High-level Symposium in Dushanbe

DUSHANBE, 9 August 2016 – Fostering gender-sensitive approaches in water management in Central Asia is the focus of today’s side event organized by the OSCE and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) during the High-level Symposium on implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal 6 in Dushanbe.

Some 30 participants discussed ongoing initiatives and activities fostering gender-sensitive approaches in water management in Central Asia, including those of the OSCE, CAREC, the United States, Oxfam, and UN Women. They developed concrete proposals for joint activities and strengthened networking among female water professionals in Central Asia.

“In order to achieve truly equitable and inclusive development, the needs and interests of women have to be taken into account,” said OSCE Office in Tajikistan Deputy Head Fabio Piana. “Women possess a wealth of knowledge and experience with which they can contribute to sustainable development.”

Jenniver Sehring, Environmental Affairs Adviser at the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, noted that water governance can lead to more effective and responsive policies that maximize social, economic and environmental benefits of sustainable development. “Identifying and addressing both women’s and men’s needs, as well as promoting women as decision makers, are critical elements for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring that nobody is left behind.”

Hosted by the Government of Tajikistan, the Symposium offers a platform for government officials, water policy makers and experts, businesses and civil society representatives to discuss how to implement the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6 to ‘ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all’, and its related targets.