SHORT COURSE: Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and Environmental and Social Management (ESM) Integration in Transboundary Groundwater Governance and Management

Gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) integration in transboundary water management and governance is crucial in Southern Africa for several reasons. GESI integration promotes inclusive decision-making processes. Women, youth, ethnic minorities, and other marginalized groups are often excluded from water management and governance discussions and decision-making processes. Their voices and perspectives are not adequately considered, leading to inefficient and ineffective water management practices. By integrating GESI, all stakeholders can participate fully in decision-making, ensuring that the diverse needs and priorities of different
groups are taken into account. This inclusive approach enhances the legitimacy and effectiveness of water management and governance efforts.

To this end GESI integration addresses gender disparities in access to water resources and services. In many Southern African countries, women are primarily responsible for water collection, management, and use. They often bear the burden of water scarcity and poor water quality, impacting their health, well-being, and productivity. By recognizing and addressing these gender disparities, GESI integration can help ensure that women have equal access to water resources and services. This not only promotes gender equality but also contributes to poverty reduction, as improved access to water can enhance women’s economic opportunities.

Furthermore, GESI integration enhances the resilience and sustainability of transboundary water management. Climate change, population growth, and competing demands for water resources pose significant challenges to water management in Southern Africa. By integrating GESI, water management and governance strategies can be more adaptive and responsive to changing conditions. Women, as critical users and managers of water, possess valuable traditional knowledge and coping strategies for water scarcity. By incorporating these perspectives, GESI integration can contribute to more sustainable and resilient water management practices.

Lastly, GESI integration facilitates the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs encompass various targets related to water management, gender equality, and social inclusion. By mainstreaming GESI, countries in Southern Africa can align their water management and governance efforts with the SDGs, ensuring progress towards multiple development objectives. Therefore GESI integration in transboundary water management and governance in Southern Africa is necessary to promote inclusive decision-making, address gender disparities, enhance resilience, and achieve sustainable development objectives. By recognizing the value of gender equality and social inclusion, Southern African countries can ensure that their water management practices are equitable, efficient, and sustainable.

Similarly, transboundary water resources management and governance in Southern Africa is crucial for ensuring the sustainable use and preservation of water resources that cross national boundaries. Environmental and social management plays an integral role in this process. From an environmental perspective, transboundary water resources are often delicate ecosystems that support a wide array of flora and fauna. Any mismanagement or overuse of these resources can lead to irreversible damage to the environment. Environmental and social management aims to minimize the negative impacts on these ecosystems by promoting sustainable practices, such as the implementation of water conservation measures, the protection of wetlands and riparian areas, and the prevention of pollution and contamination.

Additionally, transboundary water resources management has significant social implications. Water is a vital resource for human well-being, economic development, and social stability. Unequitable access to water resources can lead to conflicts and disputes among riparian states. By incorporating environmental and social management into governance structures, decision- makers can ensure that water resources are allocated fairly and equitably, taking into consideration the diverse needs of different stakeholders such as communities, farmers, industries, and ecosystems.

Environmental and social management is essential in transboundary water resources management and governance in Southern Africa. It helps protect the fragile ecosystems, ensures equitable access to water resources, and fosters regional cooperation. By prioritizing environmental sustainability and social inclusivity, Southern African countries can better manage and protect their transboundary water resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

It is against this background that groundwater professional build their capacity in GESI and ESM integration. The two components are fast becoming eligibility criteria for many funding and donor agencies and in order for many organizations to survive, compliance is critical.

The training will cost R3000 per person. Kindly register using the link below:

Interested delegates can deposit the registration fee in the following bank account:

Name of the bank: ABSA
Name of the account holder: SADC-GMI
Account number: 41-0755-4267
Account type: Cheque Account
Branch: Bloemfontein, South Africa
Bank address Zastron Street Bloemfontein
IBAN CODE: 632005
SWIFT address: ABSAZAJJ

SEND THE PROOF OF PAYMENT TO TEBOGO.POO@SADC-GMI.ORG

For more information pertaining the course, please send an e-mail to thokozani@sadc-gmi.org