GIMAC Network Issues Gender Policy Recommendations
The network proposed new water governance policies in Africa during meetings held in New Alamein from September 27 to 29, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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Should governments implement mandatory gender quotas for positions managing public water and sanitation infrastructure?
The GIMAC Network concluded its 16th Young Women's Advocacy Training and 8th CSO-RECs Strategic Engagement in New Alamein, Egypt, on September 29, 2026. The organization issued formal recommendations for gender-transformative water and sanitation policies across Africa.
Why it matters
The meetings aimed to advance gender-transformative water governance and reparatory justice within the Africa Water Vision 2063 Framework. Participants focused on converting personal experiences into actionable policy asks to address systemic inequalities in resource access.
The GIMAC Network held its 16th Young Women's Advocacy Training and 8th CSO-RECs Strategic Engagement to finalize its latest policy agenda. The proposal calls for binding quotas for women and persons with disabilities in water governance.
The players
GIMAC Network
This network facilitates strategic engagement and advocacy training for civil society organizations and young women across the African continent.
ACCORD
This institution focuses on conflict resolution and will continue collaborating with the GIMAC network to advance gender mainstreaming efforts.
The details
The 8th GIMAC Outcome Document advocates for recognizing water, sanitation, and menstrual hygiene as fundamental human rights. It further urges the ratification of major regional agreements, including the Maputo Protocol and the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.
Timeline
September 27, 2026: The Young Women's Advocacy Training opened.
September 28, 2026: The CSO-RECs Strategic Engagement opened.
September 29, 2026: The GIMAC meetings concluded.
Culture Shift
These policy recommendations reflect a broader shift toward integrating intersectional human rights into developmental frameworks. This moves beyond traditional infrastructure planning to prioritize gender-responsive budgeting and reparatory justice for marginalized populations.
These policy goals aim to change how water and sanitation services are budgeted and delivered in rural areas and informal settlements. Readers in these regions may see shifts in governance structures if local authorities adopt the proposed gender and disability quotas.
The takeaway
The GIMAC Network underscores that effective water policy requires the active inclusion of women and persons with disabilities in governance. Implementing gender-responsive budgeting remains a critical step for governments aiming to achieve equitable resource distribution.
Further reading
For more on the challenges facing women globally, explore the latest updates in our Women’s Issues section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ACCORD.
Live Poll
Should governments implement mandatory gender quotas for positions managing public water and sanitation infrastructure?
