Investing in Women, Accelerate Progress Towards Sustainable Rivers

In Stung Treng province of Cambodia, a diverse group of 113 participants gathered to celebrate International Women’s Rights Day and the International Day of Action for Rivers. This joint celebration is under the theme “Investing in Women to Accelerate Progress for Sustainability of the Rivers and Communities.” The purpose of the event was to raise awareness about the interconnectedness of river conservation and women’s rights. We emphasized the importance of investing in women to promote their inclusion in the decision-making process. We believe by doing so, we can accelerate progress towards sustainable water resource management and improve livelihoods of riverine communities.

Simultaneously, the International Day of Action for Rivers, commemorating its 27th year on March 14th, dedicated itself to protecting and celebrating the significance of rivers worldwide. It emphasized the unity of river-dependent communities in advocating for the indispensable role of rivers in their way of life.

The joint celebration of these two global observances provided a platform to recognize the vital role and amplify the voices of women who lead efforts to protect rivers and advocate for gender equality. It created a space for women from river-dependent communities, river protection and environmental organizations, and women’s rights defenders to share experiences, knowledge, and strategies for sustainable river management.

The event encompassed various activities, including opening remarks by Oxfam representative and the Deputy Provincial Governor of Stung Treng, traditional indigenous peoples’ dancing, keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, panel sessions, women defenders’ statement, and networking opportunities. Participants exchanged best practices, lessons learned, and success stories, highlighting the critical role of women in river protection and sustainable resource management. It fostered dialogue and collaboration between government representatives, civil society organizations, and women leaders to amplify their voices and advocate for innovative solutions that integrate gender perspectives in river conservation and protection.

Her Excellency Savoeun Keo, Deputy Provincial Governor, acknowledged the vital role of women as river defenders in protecting and managing river resources. She emphasized the importance of preserving rivers for future generations.

Ms. Kaneka Keo, Oxfam’s Inclusion Project Manager, called for unity in turning challenges into opportunities. She urged the commitment to a better future where gender equality becomes a reality. By investing in women, she believed progress could be accelerated towards a more just and equitable world.

The event concluded with a statement from the Women Leadership Network, represented by women river defenders from the Mekong, 3S, and Tonle Sap. The statement highlighted the importance role of women and their active participation in decision-making processes related to water resource management. It emphasized the significance of investing in women’s leadership to achieve sustainable water governance.

Furthermore, the statement expressed support for the action plan to promote gender equality and eliminating child labor in the fisheries sector. It called for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the plan. The statement urged policy makers and program implementers to prioritize gender equality in fisheries and water resource management policies. It emphasized the importance of allocating resources and integrating gender considerations into these initiatives. The goal of these efforts was to build an inclusive and sustainable future that recognizes women’s leadership, upholds gender equality, and ensures responsible river management.