Standing up for the empowerment of women
In 2023, the Cooperation in International Waters in Africa (CIWA) launched the Male Champions for Women’s Empowerment (MCWE) to work with a cadre of men who pledge to take steps to support the active participation of women within the transboundary water context.
CIWA believes that the Male Champions are uniquely placed to engage with other men to advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment within transboundary water organizations at the local, national, regional, and continental level.
Our Mission
The transboundary water sector has historically operated within deeply entrenched patriarchal systems, where women are often relegated to passive roles as water users rather than recognized as vital decision-makers in water management and policy. This limited perspective fails to capitalize on women’s expertise, insights, and potential contributions to effective water resource management.
To address this challenge, CIWA has developed a comprehensive program that cultivates and empowers male advocates for change. By engaging influential men who are committed to gender equality, the initiative works to dismantle barriers and create pathways for women’s meaningful participation in water governance.
Strategic Objectives
The MCWE initiative pursues four interconnected goals:
- Raise awareness about men’s crucial role as advocates for gender equality in transboundary water management, highlighting the positive impact of male allyship in creating inclusive institutions.
- Develop and implement concrete actions that Male Champions can undertake to advance gender equality within their organizations, from policy changes to mentorship programs.
- Create platforms and opportunities for Male Champions to collaborate and lead initiatives that expand women’s decision-making roles in transboundary water institutions.
- Drive measurable improvements in women’s representation at all levels of water governance, ensuring their voices shape policies and practices that affect their communities.
Through these focused efforts, CIWA is working to transform the traditionally male-dominated water sector into an inclusive space where all talents and perspectives contribute to sustainable water management across Africa.
Be a Male Champion
Being a Male Champion in Transboundary Water Management demonstrates unwavering dedication to gender equality through both professional conduct and personal example. These individuals serve as catalysts for positive change in Africa’s water sector through the following essential characteristics:
- Visible commitment to promoting gender equality.
- Active in facilitating women’s equal participation in transboundary water programs and institutions.
- Role models for behaviors that demonstrate respect for gender equality and empowerment of women.
- Working within the transboundary water domain at the local, national, or regional level in Africa.
- Available to commit time and energy on a voluntary basis to undertake actions that will change mindsets about gender norms and inequalities.
