BAKU: Water conservation should be a universal priority and not solely a women’s issue, emphasized Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs of Azerbaijan, during a conference on “Water and Gender Equality.”

According to Trend News Agency, Muradova pointed out that while Azerbaijan has made strides, the access to clean water still hasn’t reached the desired levels within the country. She underscored the historical role of women in water conservation but stressed that the current global challenges necessitate broader participation. “Historically, women have played a key role in water conservation, but the current times demand new conditions. Water conservation is a task that involves everyone, not just women,” Muradova stated.

She further emphasized the significance of women’s involvement in decision-making processes related to water resource management, noting that this could lead to better outcomes. The importance of professional skills and training was also
highlighted as crucial for effective participation. “At the same time, women’s participation in decision-making regarding water resource management can lead to positive outcomes. However, professional skills and training are essential for this,” she added.

The conference, organized by the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs, the State Water Resources Agency, and ADA University, aligns with the upcoming COP29 event. Discussions at the conference also covered the impact of climate change on women’s lives, their role in the protection and management of water resources, motivation for choosing specialties in this field, and ensuring gender balance in staff appointments.

Muradova expressed optimism about the upcoming COP29 providing a platform to find solutions to these pressing issues, which she believes will benefit not only Azerbaijan but all of humanity.