FG develops strategies to mainstream gender in water sector
By Abba – Eku Onyeka FCT
The Permanent Secretary (Permsec), Federal Ministry of Water Resources (FMWR), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson – Jack, says that the Ministry is developing strategies an steps to mainstream gender in the water sector.
In a press release from the Director, Press and Public Relations Unit, Mrs Kenechukwu Offie Tuesday, the Perm. Sec. who was represented by the Director, Water Supply and Public, Private Privates (PPP), Engr. Benson Ajisegiri gave the assurance at the opening ceremony of the workshop on validation of draft policy on Gender Mainstreaming in the Water Sector took place in Abuja from Tuesday, 25 to Wednesday, 26 May, 2021.
She recalled that Nigeria had been involved in the development of implementation strategies for mainstreaming the gender concept especially since the World Conference on Women was organized and followed up by the United Nations Commission on the Status of women in 1975. Nigeria’s participation in the fourth conference in Beijing in 1995, the Permanent Secretary noted, confirmed her commitment to equal rights and inherent human dignity in women and men, which among others, include women participation in the decision- making process and access to power.
She therefore stated that draft Policy for Gender mainstreaming will set the stage for promoting collaboration and cooperation among the participating groups through the establishment of enabling frameworks to support the Ministry in harnessing and utilizing both its male and female human capital in the Water Sector in addressing Water Management.
Earlier in his welcome address, Director of Special Duties Mr. Peter Nwakpa said that applying a gender-based analysis helps Water Sector Agencies allocate their resources better to meet the needs of different women, men and children. A gender analysis will therefore provide the necessary data and information to integrate a Gender Perspective into policies, programmes and projects.
UNICEF Representative, Ms Venera Zakirova in her goodwill message stated that some schools do not have water facilities and women in such environment find it difficult to handle menstrual hygiene. She also pointed out that it is very imperative for women to be active and participate in decision making especially in the Water Sector.
In another development, the the Ministry on Monday, 24th May 2021 in Abuja kicked – off the Technical Committee of Experts meeting preparatory to the 12th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Niger Basin Authority.
Also represented by the Director, Water Supply and PPP, Engr Ajisegeiri, the Perm. Sec. noted that Niger Basin Authority was created in 1964 with the mandate of protecting and managing the ecosystem of the Niger Basin in an equitable manner as well and improving the socio-economic well-being of the populations within and outside the Basin.
“Niger Basin Authority (NBA)is involved in a number of projects and programmes in Agriculture, Environment, Climate change and Integrated Water Resources Management under the Strategic Action Plan,” she said, while tasking the experts to ensure that NBA continues to be stronger and more united in view of the emerging challenges facing the ecosystem.
Among others, the meeting deliberated issues on the roadmap for implementing the Organizational Chart adopted by Resolution no.5 of the 39th session of the Council of Ministers, construction of NBA Headquarters, review of two draft Internal Rules and Regulations of NBA Technical Committee of Experts (TCE) and Council of Ministers (CM).
The National Coordinator, National Focal Structure (NFS) and Director, Water Resources Planning and Technical Support Services, Mrs. Alice Ojowu earlier in her welcome address emphasized that as Experts, the meeting has the primary responsibility of ensuring that NBA as an institution fulfils its mandate as set out by its Founding Fathers and at the same time diligently research and analyze current issues affecting NBA and member countries with the overall aim of improving NBA and the livelihoods of the people.
In his speech, NBA Executive Secretary, Abderahim Bireme informed the meeting that together with National Focal Structure Coordinators, NCU Coordinators and executives of the Executive Secretariat, they have been able to work in close and sincere collaboration to better serve the people of the Niger Basin. Bireme reiterated his heartfelt gratitude to Chairman in office of the NBA Summit of Heads of State and Government, the President and Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari and the people of Nigeria for accepting to their various meetings.
