On November 26, women professionals from across Central Asia and the South Caucasus gathered in Tashkent for a regional workshop focused on strengthening women’s leadership in climate-sensitive water resources management and transboundary water diplomacy. The event was organized by CAREC under the GIZ “Climate Sensitive Water Resources Management in Central Asia” program, co-financed by Switzerland and within the SDC-funded Blue Peace Central Asia initiative implemented by IWMI, IUCN and CAREC.
The regional workshop brought together members of the Central Asia and Afghanistan Women in Water Management Network, early-career specialists, and representatives of the South Caucasus Women in Water Diplomacy Network, creating an important platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and peer learning.
Despite their vital role in water management and local development, women hold less than 20% of leadership positions in Central Asia’s water sector. The workshop aimed to help bridge this gap through training, mentorship, and cross-regional cooperation.
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A Story aligned with regional change
“My journey began in 2022, when I took part in my first Nexus simulation,” shares Aziza Burhonova, a young water lawyer from Tajikistan. “That experience made me realize that I want to dedicate my life to the intersection of water, climate, and international law, where cooperation, responsibility, and fairness really matter.”
For Aziza, and many young women across Central Asia, entering the water sector is both a professional calling and a personal mission. “No matter what field you choose, hydrology, engineering, ecology or law, your knowledge and confidence can shape policies and create real change. Curiosity and courage open doors even in the most complex fields”, she says.
Aziza’s story reflects a growing movement: aspirations of many young female scientists, engineers, diplomats, and lawyers who want not only to participate, but to lead and transform water policy in their countries.
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Ensuring women’s participation in decision-making
During the workshop, Ashanti Bleich, Regional Program Officer on Water Infrastructure and Climate Change at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), underlined Switzerland’s commitment to inclusive water governance:
“SDC consistently supports platforms where women can exchange experiences, strengthen their skills, and amplify their voices. Women must be part of decision-making processes in water management. Their perspectives are essential for achieving sustainable, long-term cooperation in the region”.
Her message emphasized the importance of providing institutional space for women to participate in dialogue and policy development.
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Launch of a Joint Gender Gap Assessment
The main outcome of the workshop was the agreement to initiate a joint Baseline Gender Gap Assessment on women’s participation in transboundary water resources management: the first coordinated research effort undertaken by the two regional networks.
This assessment aims to identify key barriers to women’s meaningful participation, examine institutional and policy gaps, and develop evidence-based recommendations for more inclusive governance.
The event concluded with an agreed action plan and the formation of an initiative research group. Participants will continue working together to assess barriers, advance inclusive water governance, and elevate the voices of women professionals.