Experts Champion Gender Inclusion as Key to Nigeria's Water Security

Abuja, Nigeria – The critical need to integrate gender perspectives into water governance was emphasized at a one-day capacity-building workshop in Abuja, organized by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) from Accra, Ghana. Held at the Reiz Continental Hotel, the event aimed to enhance strategies for ensuring sufficient water for sanitation and hygiene across the country.

Dr. Charity Osei-Amponsah, a key resource person, delivered a paper titled, “Gender Analysis Essential Theory: Introduction to Gender Analysis Matrix (GAM).” She underscored the importance of developing institutional mandates for Gender Action Plans and gender-responsive budgeting.

“Community engagement is a key instrument for implementing people-oriented programs, particularly in the water sector,” Dr. Osei-Amponsah stated, highlighting how a gendered approach leads to more effective and equitable outcomes.

The workshop was declared open by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, represented by the Director of Special Duties, Mr. Chukky Martins. He commended IWMI for organizing the initiative and urged participants to cooperate fully with the resource persons to gain maximum benefit from the training.

Echoing the theme of inclusion, the General Manager of the Nasarawa State Water Board, Dr. Kana Ahmad Abubakar, shared insights from the state level. “The Nasarawa State Water Board has been proactive in promoting inclusive water governance due to water's fundamental significance to our people,” Dr. Abubakar said. He further explained that the board collaborates with relevant agencies, aligning its efforts with national priorities like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for food security and healthcare development.

Participants, drawn from the Federal Ministries of Water Resources and Sanitation and Women Affairs, the Nasarawa State Water Board, the Nasarawa State Ministry of Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, academia, and other water sector stakeholders, applauded IWMI for the opportunity. They pledged to apply the knowledge gained to advance water governance for the betterment of all Nigerians.