- Educate the public, policy makers and young girls
Despite clear evidence that a country’s development and people’s well being depends on efficient use of water, water is not prioritized in the political agenda of many African countries. The contribution of water to development still needs to be measured and shown. The public and policy makers should be educated on the central role of water as an essential ingredient of a green economy in Africa. Moreover, young girls should be trained for water and sanitation related careers, including science and technology. They should also be educated to play a leading role in water and sanitation.
There is a need to invest not only in the future women but also the future men who can perpetuate or create new gender roles and contribute to changing perceptions and attitudes towards gender equality. In addition, technical training to women on water management, irrigation, rainwater harvesting, rainfed agriculture and sanitation should be provided. This could significantly increase agricultural yields by 15-20% and improve environmental health and hygiene conditions.
- Empower women to pursue and be successful as leaders in water
Women are involved all along the water and food supply chain.Their role in water management and food production is however not recognized.Women should be economically, legally and politically empowered to pursue and be successful as leaders in water. This will require changes in laws, policies and through social awareness programs. It will increase women’s access to and control over water and land, credit and water services, leveraging water infrastructure for gender equality, increasing the productivity of women farmers, and providing women with skills training in water science and technology. It will result in the transformation of livelihoods and national economies and will have a positive multiplier effect on poverty reduction, productivity and economic growth, government revenues and employment creation.It will help creating inclusive societies in which women are leaders as water scientists, water resources managers, farmers and irrigators who contribute to ensuring sustainable food production and consumption, and safeguard the environment and water resources within the households, communities, and societies.
- Emulate best practices and role models as a way of making inroads in water security
Women leadership in water is needed and should be actively promoted. With not enough women in leadership position in water on the continent, young women lack role models to follow as well as the network connections to help them find jobs and advance their career. It is important to ensure that young girls are provided with women role models in the water sector to further guide and encourage them in choosing a career. Support needs therefore to be offered to women. Women and men should indeed be encouraged to provide role modeling, mentoring, internships, etc. to girls and women seeking to grow and play a role in the water economy of their country and region. There is also the need for breaking out of traditional women job roles; for example, women are expected to do health and hygiene promotion instead of becoming engineers.