Drop of the future Tashkent
Drop of the future Tashkent
Nov 11, 2024 - 3 min read
Gender and Youth Considerations in Water Resource Management in Central Asia
"Interrelation of science and practice” in water resources management in Central Asia
Scientific research underpins new technologies and innovations, while practice applies this knowledge to solve problems. The synergy enhances quality of life and addresses multi-dimensional challenges across sectors. Water resources management also relies on scientific innovation and the participation of all stakeholders, including Youth and Women, in key decision-making processes.
Central Asian countries are integrating gender considerations into Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) by adopting legislation and national programmes. They are guided by the Dublin Principles, established in 1992. The third principle of IWRM - recognising women's significant role in water provision, management, and conservation - is being applied in current water projects financed by development partners.
Despite all efforts, gender stereotypes continue to shape the roles of youth and women in society and various sectors. Gaps persist in implementing state programmes and strategies, including a shortage of young professionals, lack of capacity-building initiatives, weak implementation mechanisms, and insufficient funding. Cultural influences, traditions, and customs hinder women's access to education and active participation in society and public sectors, resulting in their passive involvement. Notably, perceiving the water sector as male-dominated discourages women and girls from delving into the field and developing related technical specialities.
Moreover, rapidly growing internal and external migration is shaping the future of young people, particularly those from rural areas, who seek to leave the country after completing secondary school. Research shows that only 18% of young people are involved in water management organisations at the Basin level of the Tajik part of the Syr Darya river basin. This study was part of the SDC National Project on Water Resources Management in the Tajik part of Syr Darya in 2022.[1] The reasons were - low interest of young people in technical specialities, low salaries in the water sector, unclaimed water sector speciality in the labour market, lack of motivation, high migration in rural areas and the influence of family members in choosing future professions among Youth, a special among girls.
“The importance of linking theory in practice”, Tajikistan
Information meetings held from 2022 to 2024 at universities in Tajikistan have highlighted the importance of internships, summer camps, practical experiences, excursions, and experience exchanges for students and young teachers. Visits to water management institutions, focusing on drinking water supply, water treatment, irrigation systems, and hydraulic structures, are crucial for students to grasp the theoretical knowledge gained at university. These activities also aim to expand understanding of current management systems in water facilities, promoting sustainable planning and rational water use and encouraging a shift in mindset among students.
The uniqueness of the platform - “Drop for the Future”
The “ Drop for the Future ” platform fostered interaction and collaboration with other networks like “Women in Water Diplomacy” and "Women in Energy". It brought together women professionals from the water and energy sectors and young people to share experiences and discuss the participation and influence of women and youth in water management decision-making in light of climate change.
The platform offered both theoretical knowledge and practical experience through organised field visits. These activities enhanced understanding of governance systems, policies, and practices in water management, as well as the "Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem" Nexus approach in Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan in 2024. The initiative amplified the voices of women and youth in shaping universal policies and mechanisms that respect local traditions and social aspects in Central Asia.
I was honoured to participate in these meetings as a member of the “Women in Water Diplomacy” network and the Youth network “Drop for the Future” in Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. These meetings introduced me to diverse opinions, ideas, visions, policies, and mechanisms through joint discussions with youth and women in Central Asia. This experience inspires me to implement similar approaches in Tajikistan and my community.
I am looking forward to hearing more about the opinions and voices of youths and women in decision-making processes in water resources management in light of climate change and the "Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem" Nexus approach in workshops in Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan.