𝑬𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒖𝒎 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑬𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝑵𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑨𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒍 25-26 𝑵𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒊 𝑲𝒆𝒏𝒚𝒂.

The Forum is taking place with the over all goal enhancing the involvement of women as decision-makers and leaders in the transboundary water sector. This can be achieved through the collective engagement of Male Champions for Gender Equality and women working in the transboundary water sector. 

The main objective for creating the Gender Forum in the Eastern Nile Basin is to establish a mechanism to enable men to play a more active role in the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment in transboundary waters institutions in the Eastern Nile while working in tandem with women engaged in the sector. The forum commenced with opening remarks from ENTRO Acting Executive Director, Eng.  Teshome Atnafie. 

Eng. Teshome warmly welcomed all participants and consultants attending the Gender Mainstreaming training. He emphasized that launching the Gender Forum in the Eastern Nile Basin will increase the involvement of women as decision-makers and leaders in the transboundary water sector. Eng. Teshome highlighted that this goal can be achieved through the participation of Male Champions for gender equality and women working in the transboundary water sector. He also stressed the importance of development partners in supporting the Forum to address challenges related to gender imbalance in the region. ENTRO Acting ED invites ENSAPT Chair Dr. Zebene Lakew to officially open the meeting.

Accordingly, Dr. Zebene Lakew emphasized the importance of addressing gender issues in the basin, as they play a crucial role in promoting equality and sustainable development. He highlighted the need for collaboration and cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure that gender considerations are integrated into all aspects of water resource management. The forum provided a platform for sharing best practices, exchanging ideas, and developing strategies to advance gender equality in the basin. Dr. Lakew urged participants to work together towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.

With Dr. Zebene's declaration, the forum had officially begun, setting the stage for a productive and inspiring event ahead. The forum brings participants from ENSAPT, ENTRO management and staff, Gender experts from Eastern Nile Countries, Media people, Active Male champion members from NBI, gender focal points of NBI and people from other sectors are part of the forum.