Dinara ZiganshinaLegal AdviserScientific Information Center for Interstate Commission for Water Coordination in Central Asia

The Fifth GEF Biennial International Waters ConferenceCairns, Australia 26-29 October 2009

Observations during the implementation of various projects

IWRM in Fergana Valley (SDC) – Kyrg, Taj, UzbAdaptation to climate change (CIDA) – Kaz, UzbRiverTwin in Chirchik river basin (EC FP6) - Kaz, Kyrg, and Uzb

Discussions Top level - 1st meeting on Gender & Water in CA during Int’l Conference in Almaty, 2004, ADBIntermediate level – Internet Forum UNDP, 2004 Field level – meetings with farmers & WUAs, 2004, GWP CACENA

“Water and agriculture projects and programs have failed to incorporate gender issues within their operations and they have collectively agreed to form a network on an informal basis to undertake specific activities as a first step in changing this reality.”

Resolution on ‘Gender & Water in Central Asia’ The International Scientific Conference “Water Partnership in Central Asia” in Almaty, 2004

SurveysSIC ICWC & GWP CACENA, 2004Study of Representative Households in Kuva Rayon of Fergana Oblast, Republic of Uzbekistan

“GENDER ASPECTS IN WATER RESOURCES ACCESS AND MANAGEMENT”

The first attempt to analysis gender issues in water management of Central Asian countries

TrainingA regional training seminar “Basics of Gender Theory and Gender Analysis Methodologies in Water and Agriculture” 2-4 March 2005 at the ICWC Training Center in Tashkent.

2007-20085 Central Asian Countries The objectives:

- to improve gender awareness among the water sector stakeholders at regional, national and local levels

- to strengthen capacity of the water sector stakeholders for incorporating gender dimensions into the decision-making process.

The gender focal points in water ministries in the five CARs 25 staff trained on GAD issues in the water sector155 water specialists improved their knowledge and skills on water and gender issues through 6 workshops, distribution learning materials Newsletters, series of publications, booklets and brochures Regional TV program and five radio programs broadcastedGender and water website and e-forum developed.

http://www.gender.cawater-info.net/index_e.htm

Be responsive to real needs and local dynamicsFocus on gender relations not womenEngage both women and menAvoid generalisations – be case specificBe responsible for your actionsBe consistent…

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