ABSTRACT
Adopting a transformative approach requires continuously tackling fundamental changes related to gender norms at all levels of society and across all sectors on an ongoing basis. This chapter takes into consideration the challenges of, and lessons learned from, implementing a transformative approach to fostering women’s leadership and participation in transboundary water governance within the Nile basin. This chapter’s assessment was undertaken in the context of a broader reflection on transformative approaches to gender equality within the Cooperation in International Waters in Africa (CIWA) programme, a World Bank Group Multi-Donor Trust Fund that supports activities to address barriers to cooperative transboundary water management. The analysis draws upon interviews conducted with key stakeholders working in the Nile basin, from both government and civil society at the regional and national levels. It examines and makes recommendations related to four key challenges: (1) lack of an overall systematic approach; (2) insufficient capacity on gender at all levels; (3) inadequate representation of women; and (4) insufficient incorporation of gender at the governance level. While the transformative approach to gender is still evolving, the experiences of developing it within the transboundary context of the Nile basin can benefit other basin organisations.
