The Women’s Institute held its second specialized meeting on water-related issues on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, under the title “A Look at Global Experiences of Women’s Participation in Water Governance.” The meeting was held at the Women’s Institute and was presented by Dr. Masoumeh Eshtiaqi, social researcher in water affairs and Chair of the Women’s Committee of the Water Diplomacy Association.

The meeting focused on the intensifying water crisis and the need to adopt new approaches to governance. Within this framework, the role of women as key actors in the sustainable management of water resources was examined. Drawing on international documents and experiences, the meeting emphasized the importance of women’s meaningful participation in decision-making, policy development, and the implementation of water-related policies.

The speaker presented examples of successful experiences from different countries in the areas of women’s participation in wetland protection, river management, water diplomacy, and natural resource management. These experiences showed that women’s effective participation can contribute to reducing water-related conflicts, improving public health, strengthening the livelihoods of local communities, and protecting water resources and the environment in a sustainable way.

Another part of the meeting was dedicated to examining the challenges facing women’s participation. Limited access to education, financial resources, management opportunities, and decision-making structures were among the barriers discussed. The need to remove these barriers in order to achieve inclusive water governance was also emphasized.

In the final section, participants shared their questions and views on the meaning of women’s participation, the impact of women’s presence in management structures, and possible ways to strengthen women’s role in water governance. It was emphasized that women’s participation can be effective only when it goes beyond symbolic presence and leads to real involvement in decision-making and policymaking processes.

This meeting was held as part of the Women’s Institute’s series of specialized meetings on water. It highlighted the importance of using women’s capacities to improve water resource governance, strengthen social resilience, and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals.