Experts Call For Gender-Responsive Water Policies Amid Climate, Scarcity Challenges

(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Amman, July 23 (Petra) – The "Developing Gender-Responsive Policies" conference continued in Amman on Wednesday with a session dedicated to addressing climate change and water scarcity challenges, featuring experts and representatives from national and regional institutions.
Moderated by Nevin Kfouf, Director of the Women's Studies Unit at the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, the session focused on the need for gender-responsive water policies that reflect the climate-related realities in Jordan and the wider region.
Marwan Raggad, Executive Director of the Islamic Network for Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM), said that ensuring the right to safe water access is a strategic priority. He highlighted the importance of empowering women and youth, who make up 60 percent of the population, to participate actively in water management and environmental governance.
Majd Naber, Director General of the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) Institute, underscored the importance of leveraging scientific and social research in water policy planning. She stressed the need to integrate gender perspectives, particularly in fragile environments.
Mohammed Qaraleh, a community activist from the "Masar al-Khair" initiative, presented experiences that empower women in areas suffering from water scarcity. These include support for productive kitchens, dairy projects, and beekeeping farms that have enhanced food security and contributed to local development.
Fadi Muqdad, representing the "Golden Spikes" Association, shared the organization's experience in constructing 164 water harvesting wells in remote areas. These wells store rainwater for agricultural use during the summer, providing a practical model for climate adaptation.
Amir Takian, a member of the Executive Committee of the World Health Summit, linked water scarcity to public health challenges. He noted that women bear up to 70 percent more of the impacts of climate change than men, calling for comprehensive policies to address the social and professional obstacles to women's participation.
Kfouf concluded by stating that involving women and youth is no longer optional but a national imperative for ensuring water security and advancing environmental and social justice. She called for turning dialogue into action and expanding collaboration among government entities, academic institutions, and civil society.
She added, "The real-life examples and community initiatives we have seen reflect a shared responsibility to build inclusive and equitable partnerships that elevate stakeholders' voices and promote sustainable development."
The session concluded with an in-depth discussion on key challenges related to water scarcity and climate change, alongside practical and innovative solutions.

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