1. Preamble

Considering the vital role of women in the management of water resources and agriculture, it is essential to fully identify, utilize, and enhance the capacity and capabilities of women in these areas. Women play a central role in providing, managing, and conserving water. They can significantly contribute to achieving sustainable development goals through active participation in the planning and managing of water.

This Task Force was proposed following the successful holding of an international webinar on the empowerment and development of women's capacity in water resources management on May 3, 2023, which ICID IRPID-IRN held in collaboration with CDTE-WG, IRNCID. Considering the strategic priority and importance of water and food security in the ICID vision, it is crucial to fully utilize and maximize women's capacities, capabilities, and indigenous knowledge in the optimal and sustainable management of water resources and agricultural water management. Women can play a crucial role in addressing water crises and adaptation to climate change. This issue can be achieved and strengthened through the collaborative efforts of ICID National Committees and affiliated networks.

2. Aim and Objectives

The primary aim of this Task Force is to empower women in sustainable water resource management and agriculture water management in ICID member countries. We will achieve this goal by increasing women's participation in decision-making processes and policy development at managerial and governance levels. Empowering women and giving them a more prominent role in managing the water sector can lead to more significant sustainable development and gender equity.

3. Terms of Reference

1.    Identify the challenges to women's participation in governance and decision-making levels.

2.    Acknowledge the opportunities for harnessing women's capacity to improve water governance and management.

3.    Review the current status of women's participation and their role in managing water resources and agricultural water management.

4.    Review existing global experiences and successful international models in women's empowerment in water

5.    Encouragement international organizations to collaborate with this ICID initiative

6.    Providing a platform for joint projects between ICID and international partner

7.    Dissemination of the outcome among related parties