Women’s Water Challenges and Perspectives addressed at World Water Forum 8

During World Water Forum 8, the priority concerns and challenges of civil society were the subject of 17 focus sessions including on social capital in water governance, small-scale farmers and climate change, low-cost technologies and citizen’s education, organized by the World Water Forum 8 Citizens Commission and its partners.

Women, Youth and Indigenous People had their own dedicated session. Building on the water and gender initiative of the National Water Agency of Brazil, the Women’s session of March 22nd discussed the persisting challenges to implement Dublin Principle 3, and demonstrated the added value of including women in decision-making at all levels. The session was addressed by Brazilian Chief Prosecutor Dr. Raquel Dodge, and the new President of ANA, Dr. Christianne Días. The international panel joined women leaders from Brazil, Kenya, Myanmar, New Zealand and Turkey. The session was coordinated by Women for Water Partnership Vice-President, Margarida Yassuda. I had the pleasure of moderating this vibrant interaction. My summary notes can be viewed here.