Page 67 - CIWA AR25

Cross-Cutting Themes: Gender Equality & Social Inclusion

approaches adopted by different cultures. During a learning incorporated into project cycles. To sustain the momentum of
event co-hosted by Equal Aqua in March 2025, Male Champions the MCWE and facilitate discussion among Male Champions on
had discussions with participants from World Bank programs in how they can advance women’s empowerment individually and
Eastern and Southern Africa on how to develop and implement a collectively, CIWA hosted regular virtual meetings, where the
gender-friendly work environment. men shared progress, discussed challenges, and strategized on
collective actions to advance women’s empowerment. These
In October 2024 MCWE hosted in‑person meetings in Lesotho meetings provided a space for continual learning and support,

as a side event of the WATERNET/WARFSA (Water Research allowing Male Champions to refine their approaches and share
Fund for Southern Africa)/GWP‑SA (Global Water Partnership successful strategies.
Southern Africa) Symposium. The meetings focused on revising
MCWE’s Action Plan and incorporated a results framework. This CIWA‑supported operations also implemented activities to
gathering also offered an invaluable space for Male Champions challenge gender norms and improve the power of women in
to share experiences and ideas on how they can address the water decisions. In Untapping Resilience, community engagement
challenges women face within the water sector. Overall, Male guidelines were applied that require social, environmental, gender,
Champions reported that participation at both meetings played and technical specialists to ensure investments address the needs
a key role in strengthening their commitment to fostering gender of all community members, especially women and other vulnerable
equality. The side event and participation at the Symposium groups. About one-third of the 130 project implementation unit
also served as a platform to recruit new members of MCWE. staff who received training on the MIS were women.

The Male Champions are addressing gender gaps and In FY25, the Young Professionals Internship Program at Nile‑

insensitivities within their organizations and identified SEC included three women participants from Ethiopia, South
opportunities for women to participate as leaders Sudan, and Sudan. A regional workshop for the Nile Women’s
and decision makers. For example, they reviewed their Network is planned to review progress and develop strategies for
organizations’ operations and infrastructure to ensure that they amplifying women’s voices in transboundary water governance.
accommodate the needs of women such as
by having childcare facilities and In Southern Africa, over 100,000 people, including about

that gender considerations are 52,000 women, have benefited from sub‑grant projects.
National stakeholder dialogues engaged 413 people,
of whom 154 were female. Groundwater management
training included 42 participants, 10 of whom were
women, and more than 120 Young Professionals,
including 56 women, have participated in internships; 12
have received scholarships for advanced degrees, eight
of whom are female.

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