International Forum “Women and Water” - Dushanbe Water Process

The global water crisis, exacerbated by climate change, increasing demand, pollution, and historical mismanagement, poses significant challenges to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6: universal access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030. In 2023, 380 million women and girls faced high or critical water stress, with this number projected to rise to 674 million by 2050 in 33 countries. Women's leadership and gender-responsive water justice is vital for sustainable water management and achieving equitable outcomes. 

The Women’s Water Forum will address critical issues such as investing in a gender-responsive and community-based water agenda, and exploring best practices and tools for creating peaceful, inclusive, and just communities. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of women in water diplomacy for building equitable and inclusive societies. The forum aims to create a global platform to discuss the crucial role of women in water resource management and to promote gender equality in maritime relations. It will highlight women's leadership in water governance and address the specific impacts of water issues on women, advocating for gender-responsive policies to ensure fairness and equity in water distribution. 

The forum will gather 120 participants from 17 countries, including representatives from governments, international organizations, public organizations, water resource and gender equality experts, women's rights activists, students, academics, journalists, and media representatives. It will assess the progress of commitments from the 2022 Women Water Forum, showcase successful partnerships, and strengthen women's engagement in water-related dialogues and processes. 

Be part of this essential dialogue to address the global water crisis and promote sustainable development through gender equality. Join us in Dushanbe on June 10, 2024, and help shape a more equitable and sustainable future.  

This event is coordinated by the Committee on Women and Family Affairs under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Tajikistan, and UN Women Tajikistan. The forum is organized in partnership with USAID, ADB, OSCE, Acted, IWPR, UNRCCA, World Bank and UNFPA. 

For more information, please contact: Gulnaz Anisio De Oliveira, Communications Specialist, UN Women Europe and Central Asia, e-mail: gulnaz.imamniyazova@unwomen.org; and Davroni Davronzoda, National Communications Consultant, UN Women Tajikistan, e-mail: davroni.davronzoda@unwomen.org.