Overview
Introduction: A Commitment to Gender Inclusivity at CWW 2023
JCAR is proud to announce its participation in the third day of Cairo Water Week 2023, where we hosted our fourth session titled “The role of women in Egyptian agriculture and water management – how much knowledge do we have?”. This pivotal session is a cornerstone of the A4I project, underscoring our dedication to fostering gender inclusiveness in these critical sectors.
Session Opening: Leadership in Gender Inclusiveness
The session commenced with insights from JCAR’s Deputy Team Leader, Ms. Sonja Pans, alongside Ms. Marona Korte, Operations Manager and Gender Expert at JCAR, and Dr. Annemieke Nijhof, President of Deltares. Their introduction set the stage for an in-depth exploration of JCAR's commitment to gender inclusivity.
Panel Discussion: A Diverse Perspective on Gender Roles
Dr. Annemieke Nijhof led a panel discussion on gender roles in agriculture, beginning with an engaging exercise by Ms. Marona Korte. This segment shed light on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by different genders, backed by a series of questions and data presentations.
Voices from the Field: Women's Aspirations and Achievements
The discussion brought forward the diverse roles and ambitions of women in agriculture. We heard from Faten, a farmer aspiring to transcend traditional farming boundaries, and Engineer Asma from the Agriculture Directorate, who spoke on women's rights and support mechanisms. Saada, who manages a small-scale tomato and fruit business, shared her journey in seeking expansion funding. Engineer Nora from the Farmers' Association and Mariam, a landowner, discussed their innovative projects, emphasizing the social impact in agriculture.
Exploring Opportunities and Challenges: A Multifaceted Approach
The panel delved into the benefits of diverse farming practices, including educational initiatives for children. It underscored the importance of gender inclusion, highlighting women's achievements and future prospects. The session also explored collaborative efforts for women’s empowerment in agriculture, addressing research gaps and advocating for support in the water and food sectors.
Global Perspectives: UN Involvement and Climate Change
A representative from the UN Egypt Women's Office emphasized the critical role of women in addressing climate change and socio-economic crises. The discussion also covered Egypt's efforts to integrate women into climate projects and alter perceptions of women's leadership roles.
Concluding Thoughts: Integrating Professional Skills into Daily Life
Dr. Annemieke Nijhof concluded the session by underlining the significance of daily actions and the integration of professional skills into everyday life. Another expert highlighted training programs focusing on gender-inclusive approaches in technical work related to water energy for food.