DUSHANBE, 19.06.2018 /NIAT “Khovar”/. Within the framework of the International High-Level Conference, timed to the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028 to be held in Dushanbe on June 20 — 22, the pre-conference Women’s Water Forum entitled “Women and water: from words to actions” was held today in Dushanbe-Plaza State Complex. The event was attended by more than 150 national and international delegates from 20 countries, NIAT “Khovar” correspondent Christina ERLICH reports from the scene.

The event was organized by the Committee for Women and Family Affairs under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in partnership with the UN-Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, the Royal Academy of the International Science Trust, the Finnish Water Management Program in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and the Delegation of the European Union in Tajikistan.

The Women’s Water Forum was attended by the First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Women and Family Affairs under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan Marhabo Olimi, UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan Pratibha Mehta, founder and president of the International Association “Women in Science” and Executive Director of the Royal Academy of International Science Trust Nisreen El-Hashemite, Vice Speaker of Majlisi namoyandagon Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan Khairinisso Yusufi, as well as national and international experts in the field of water resources management.

During the forum, the participants touched upon the key issues in ensuring the implementation of the interrelated Sustainable Development Goals, “Nobody Will Be Forgotten” — access to water for the neediest people, a successful and multilateral partnership in the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and Gender Road Maps, investment and gender equality.

The Women’s Water Forum brought together the voices of women from different parts of the world and various sectors of society to illustrate the main components of women’s empowerment processes, as well as their involvement in water resources management.

In addition, the forum participants jointly defined priorities and activities with the participation of women in the International Decade for Action in the field of water resources. They also discussed the right of women and girls to access to drinking water and sanitation facilities, as well as the involvement of women in decision-making processes on water resources management.

The event provided an opportunity to share knowledge and experience, as well as to show how the interrelationship of water resources with gender factors has a positive and long-term impact on community development as a whole.

Group work allowed the forum participants to define specific actions and key messages to be offered at the International High Level Water Conference on June 20-22.

It was also noted that safe drinking water and sanitation facilities are necessary for the full life of every person. They are especially important for women and girls, who are often the main users, suppliers and distributors of water in their families.

A relevant resolution will be signed following the Women’s Water Forum.