Water plays a crucial role in addressing climate-related challenges. As climate threats to water security grow, water-related disasters are becoming more common. Marginalised groups, particularly women and people with disabilities, are disproportionately impacted and face more barriers in accessing water. It is important that decision-makers carefully ensure that the interests of some groups are not prioritised over others.
In August, Stockholm World Water Week brought together global water stakeholders to jointly discuss and develop water solutions. This year’s theme, ‘Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future,’ looked at the role of community collaboration in addressing water challenges and advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG6.
To highlight the significance of inclusivity and application of traditional knowledge in climate resilience, the Australian Water Partnership (AWP) and Partners delivered two sessions at World Water Week 2024.
Ensuring water-resilient climate solutions are inclusive
In collaboration with WaterAid, Oxfam, Cambodia Disabled People’s Organisation, DP-Hanoi and Monash University, AWP supported a session titled, ‘Inclusive Water Management: Navigating Gender, Disability and Social Dimensions’, which explored practical strategies for integrating inclusivity principles into water policies. Speakers shared evidence-based examples from the Mekong region to raise awareness about the intersectionality of gender, disability and social inclusion in water projects and encourage the development of climate solutions tailored to local needs.
Panelists shared the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing water including limited information and discriminatory attitudes, highlighting the need to empower local people to get them involved in decision-making.
WaterAid Head of Strategy Chelsea Huggett speaking during the session ‘Inclusive Water Management: Navigating Gender, Disability and Social Dimensions’. Image: Water for Women
“Most people with a disability experience compound disadvantage” – Chelsea Huggett, WaterAid
The session provided an overview of the impact of gender in water resource management while sharing good practice for promoting greater female participation. Other key outcomes included the need for flexible payment plans, better dissemination of information, and inclusive technology for river protection.
Demonstrating pathways to engagement with Indigenous Peoples
AWP also co-convened a session with the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water titled, ‘Beyond Consultation to Collaboration and Meaningful Engagement with Indigenous Peoples’. This session focused on addressing Indigenous engagement in water discussions beyond simple consultation, by sharing actionable pathways to include traditional know-how and experience in environmental conservation into government policies.
Speakers highlighted progress in ongoing dialogue through country-specific examples, including the Memorandum of Understanding between Upper Colorado River Basin states and tribes previously excluded from water discussions, and Australia’s hybrid governance approach that integrates government and Indigenous representation to guide water entitlement purchases for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
A key takeaway was the need to acknowledge and address the historical traumas of colonisation and exclusion, seen as a critical step for rebuilding trust and ensuring meaningful collaboration.
“Pair Indigenous knowledge systems with Western sciences. Embed Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous leadership for nature repair” – Kay Blades, Committee on Aborginal and Torres Strait Islander Water Interests
To address these challenges and ensure equitable access to water resources, inclusivity in water management is essential.
World Water Week provided an opportunity to strengthen partnerships among best practice leaders to improve inclusivity in water resource management. This year’s event demonstrated the impact and importance of including diverse voices across sectors, cultures, and generations in addressing the contemporary water challenges and building a climate smart future.
The co-convened sessions, along with the rest of SIWI’s World Water Week program, are now available on YouTube:
Inclusive Water Management: Navigating Gender, Disability and Social Dimensions
Beyond Consultation to Collaboration and Meaningful Engagement with Indigenous Peoples
Featured image: Lorelei Cloud, Camille Touton, Erina Watene-Rawiri, Kay Blades, Sheryl Hedges at World Water Week. Credit: Water for Women