Project Launching Ceremony
Strategic Partnership – Women and Marginalized Groups,
Natural Resource Management and Peace-building: Unlocking the Potential
Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) in collaboration with the Association for Water Applied Education & Renewable Energy (AWARE), OXFAM International, held one day project Launch event on Strategic Partnership-Women and Marginalized Groups, Natural Resource Management and Peace-Building at Margalla Hotel, Islamabad.
This event was joined by senior government officials, civil society members and other stakeholders from all over the country. Mr. Naseer Memon, Chief Executive, SPO welcomed all the participants on the behalf of the organization. He explained SPO’s work for the rights of marginalized segments of the society. He also gave a brief background about the connection and linkages between Water, Conflict and Women. Furthermore, he focused on the basic rights of marginalized groups particularly women, affected by structural discrimination and exclusive practices related to the water governance.
Miss Javeria Afzal, Associate Country Director of OXFAM, briefly talked about the project and how it will provide opportunities to women and marginalized groups; specially their involvement in contributing to decrease water-related disputes in the targeted areas i.e. Akram Wah Division, including the District Hyderabad, Badin and Tando Muhammad Khan of Sindh province.
Mr. Nazeer Esani, General Manager, Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority (SIDA) discussed the issues of water management; such as distribution inequities and the politics of Direct Outlets (Dos), role of women and marginalized groups in water management. He also highlighted the technical aspects of water management in Sindh province, particularly the special focus on Akram Wah Canal. He also assured all types of support from (SIDA) for successful implementation of the project.
Mr. Saadat Ali from the Dutch Embassy shared some challenges which will arise in the implementation of this project. He emphasized the need of engaging the community in water resource management in playing their role as responsible citizens. At the end, he stressed on outcome of the project which will revolve policies of provincial government in Sindh, water governance bodies in the Akram Wah division, inclusion of women and marginalized groups, and their needs and priorities in water governance.
Ms. Waheeda Mahesar, Member of the Advisory Committee shared her views regarding the struggles of women in the society with special focus on the agricultural sector.
The event was concluded by Mr. Abid Rizvi, Member board of Directors, SPO. He expressed his gratitude to all the participants and hailed their efforts in contributing towards Natural Resource Management & Peace building.