Validating the Implementation Plan: Gender Strategy for Aquatic Biodiversity
Date: Tuesday, 29th April 2025
Time: 12:00–15:30 EAT
Format: Virtual/Online
Date: Tuesday, 29th April 2025
Time: 12:00–15:30 EAT
Format: Virtual/Online
AU-IBAR, with funding support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), is convening a Virtual Stakeholders' Consultative Validation Workshop tomorrow, 29th April 2025, to solicit stakeholder inputs on the development of an inclusive and actionable Implementation Plan for the Continental Strategy for Mainstreaming Gender in Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Management. The event is being implemented under the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity Project.
Following the endorsement of the continental gender strategy by the African Union Heads of State and Government in February 2024 (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), this workshop is a critical next step in translating political commitments into tangible, measurable actions to promote gender equity in environmental governance.
The workshop aims to validate and refine the draft Implementation Plan, strengthen institutional capacity for gender mainstreaming, promote equitable access to resources, enhance women's representation in environmental governance, develop gender-specific data collection systems, and foster inclusive communication. The expected outcomes include a validated plan, strengthened partnerships, and social transformations for equitable environmental governance.
Implementation Plan Framework
The Implementation Plan is built around six interdependent strategic areas:
1. Building the capacity of women and institutions.
2. Guaranteeing equitable access to natural resources and economic opportunities.
3. Promoting inclusive governance by increasing women’s participation in decision-making.
4. Establishing a robust, evidence-based gender data system.
5. Transforming social norms through participatory and multi-channel communication campaigns.
6. Ensuring rigorous, transparent, and gender-sensitive monitoring and evaluation.
Drawing from pilot experiences in Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Malawi, the plan aligns with global, continental, and regional frameworks such as the SDGs, CEDAW, CBD, ABES, GEWE Strategy, and Agenda 2063. The plan applies a Results-Based Management (RBM) approach, ensuring that commitments translate into measurable progress.
Workshop Structure and Agenda
The workshop will be structured around three main sessions:
Opening Session: Opening remarks by AU-IBAR leadership, followed by statements from key partners, including the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET).
Technical Sessions: A series of expert presentations will set the context by providing an overview of the project, the African Blue Economy Strategy, relevant policy frameworks, and insights into strengthening gender dimensions in aquatic ecosystem conservation. Notably, an important presentation will be delivered by the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SWAM), a technical partner to the project, sharing valuable experiences on gender mainstreaming in aquatic biodiversity conservation.
Draft Plan Presentation and Discussion: The second technical session will feature the presentation of the Draft Implementation Plan, followed by an open discussion to enrich and validate the Plan based on stakeholder feedback.
Closing Session: The Closing Session will include reflections from AWFISHNET and final closing remarks by AU-IBAR to conclude the workshop, marking the official validation of the Implementation Plan.
Additional Information
Access AU-IBAR’s broader work on gender and women's empowerment
Access the Microsite on the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the Context of the Africa Blue Economy Project