Empowering communities and advancing equality in Burkina Faso: ECDD- GIRE
28 November 2024In the water sector, where inequality often hampers access to resources, World Waternet is strongly committed to promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). We recognise that true progress in sustainable water management means dismantling barriers that prevent equal participation, especially for women, youth, marginalised groups, and vulnerable communities. By embedding GESI in all our projects/ WOPs, WWn strives to create an environment where everyone has a fair chance to contribute and thrive. This is not only about empowering ; it’s about reshaping the water sector to reflect the diverse needs and strengths of all people. Through our projects, partnerships, training, and advocacy, World Waternet is taking tangible steps to ensure that water management is not just effective, but equitable.
Interview source: Leafso.net
Our ambassador in Burkina Faso
Meet Cyrille Kafando, our first Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) ambassador for the ECDD-GIRE project in Burkina Faso! With 13 years of experience as strategic advisor for World Waternet in Burkina Faso, Cyrille is a passionate advocate for inclusive water management, championing the empowerment of women, youth, and marginalised groups. The ECDD-GIRE project combines local governance and innovative digital tools like the WaterCoach to equip communities with the skills to manage water resources sustainably. Cyrille’s vision is bold and inspiring: resilient communities managing water independently and equitably, creating a brighter future for all.
What is the ECDD-GIRE Project?
In Burkina Faso, the ECDD-GIRE project (Eau, Clé du Développement Durable – Gestion Intégrée des Ressources en Eau); Water, the Key to Sustainable Development - Integrated Water Resources Management, is addressing essential GESI challenges by integrating inclusive practices into water management. Led by a Dutch consortium consisting of World Waternet, Agriterra, and AUXFIN, the project spans five water regions, engaging with local water committees (Cles) and agricultural cooperatives to improve water management and access to water. “Our mission is to increase income, build climate resilience, and foster economic strength among communities by promoting Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and local governance, with a central focus on digital technologies”, says Cyrille Kafando, strategic advisor for World Waternet.
“Women and youth are vital to this project, forming its core target groups. The GESI approach ensures sustainable development by engaging every stakeholder and sector of society in the shared responsibility of managing resources fairly and sustainably.”
Why I chose to become the first gender equality and social inclusion ambassador for ECDD-GIRE?
As the first Gender equality and Social Inclusion Ambassador for ECDD-GIRE, I am dedicated to promote social inclusion across all project phases and levels, especially for women and youth. This responsibility is significant to me because, as I often say, no country can achieve sustainable social and economic development without fully including "the other half of society" – in other words, its women. In line with this commitment, I am resolute to creating awareness within our Burkinabé communities and pointing out the value of inclusive water management. Echoing Thomas Sankara, who believed that we cannot address economic, educational, or social issues in Burkina Faso without recognising the indispensable role of women, I am strongly driven to address the inequities that still exist.
Empowering women and closing the gender gap
As a Burkinabé, I fully acknowledge that women in Burkina Faso play a critical, often underappreciated role in the economy, especially in rural areas. They hold essential roles in family- and village life, agriculture, and take on much of the responsibility for household water supply for drinking, cooking, washing and farming. Yet, women often face barriers to leadership roles, as cultural expectations still limit their advancement. Being a father to a daughter strengthens my determination to address this disparity, as I am committed to a future where girls and women enjoy equal opportunities.
Inclusivity in Water Management goes beyond benefiting women alone; it involves supporting all vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, the elderly, youth and men. Water issues disproportionately affect women and girls because they are the primary water gatherers in most households and bear the burden of inadequate access to water. Prioritising them in water management projects like the ECDD-GIRE is essential for overall community well-being.
What makes the ECDD-GIRE project unique?
The distinctive aspect of the ECDD-GIRE project is our approach to inclusivity and digitalisation. In some areas, security concerns restrict physical access, but rather than excluding these communities, we are implementing digital solutions for broad communication and capacity building. By providing solar-powered tablets and the WaterCoach, a tool developed by AUXFIN to raise awareness on IWRM practices and train all beneficiaries remotely. This digital approach allows us to build capacity and equip communities with essential water management knowledge and practices.
Our vision for a resilient future
Our hope is that by the end of the ECDD-GIRE project, all beneficiaries in Burkina Faso will be empowered to manage their water resources independently and effectively. We aim for communities that no longer need external support to meet their water needs, as this will signify their full independence and resilience. Empowering communities, men and women, young and old through inclusive, sustainable water management is key to unlocking their potential for long-term growth and stability.
The journey is challenging but promising and rewarding. Together, through collaboration and commitment, our WWn, Agriterra and AUXFIN consortium are building a brighter, more equitable future for all in Burkina Faso.