In the frame of an ongoing empowerment process, the BMZ-financed Water and Wastewater Manangement Programme invites NGO representatives, both men and women, to participate in a one day interactive Workshop to raise awareness on gender related roles and responsibilities in society, focusing on the water sector.
The aim of the workshop is to make the participants aware of the crucial role of women, not only on household level, when it comes to water provision, education and hygiene and the various challenges women are consequently facing, especially in Cairos’ informal areas. More awareness may lead NGOs to a more gender sensitive planning and implementation of activities, but also provide them with an overall understanding of how important the inclusion of both sexes is for the socio economic benefit and wellbeing of a society.
The interactive day will include the presentation of a female plumber from an informal area who will talk about her life and profession. By means of her presentation and one or two short movies, the group will debate on different related issues, play interactive games and thus get a deeper understanding of the issue and how to use the newly gained knowledge and awareness in future activities.
When? 3rd of March 2015, 9am- 4pm
Where? Blue Lotus Lodge, Sakkara, Cairo
IMPRESSIONS OF THE EVENT:
The highlight of the workshop was the presentation of a female plumber from an informal area of Cairo sharing her vita and experiences of working for many years in a male dominated profession. She reported on her struggle working in the sector and her rich experiences and the different reactions of people, including her family, regarding her decision to work as a plumber. However, she remained positive and determined to have a successful career. By now, she’ s well known and accepted, not only in her neighborhood and receives more job offers than she can actually accept.
Inspired by Om Basems report and the various discussions, the participants finished the day in brainstorming on how to use the newly obtained awareness and knowledge in future activities in their respective local communities.
Besides different awareness raising measures on the different aspects of gender roles and its consequences for the society, the NGOs were planning to implement activities such as:
- trainings for women on household level to enhance their capacities for water management, water reuse, simple plumbing techniques;
- summer schools and activities for children and youth to raise their interest for water related issues and thus get them more involved in the sector;
- introducing local monitoring for water management und use etc.