Advocating for gender-inclusive water governance at Dushanbe Water Conference

Our Head of Office, Vesna Ivanovikj-Castarede, alongside our Deputy Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Elisa Fernandez Saenz, participated in the #WomenWaterForum at the high level international #DushanbeWaterConference in Tajikistan, on the International Decade for Action on “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018–2028.
 

The discussion focused on the critical need for gender-sensitive and inclusive water governance. 
The forum discussions highlighted that effective water management demands women's leadership and participation. This includes advocating for gender-responsive legal and policy reforms and recognizing water as a basic right and essence of life, considering also specific needs of women and girls. Inclusivity ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, which helps keep our problem-solving comprehensive and effective, equitable and sustainable. 

At the meetings with different stakeholders from the government institutions and civil society, our Head of Office shared North Macedonia's best practices for forming deep partnerships that will increase women's participation and leadership in governance and water diplomacy, build a more sustainable and inclusive future for all. 
This was also an opportunity to build synergy between our Office and the UN Women Office in Tajikistan. Read more about the forum here: http://unwo.men/Narx50SgYYo