News

Introduction

The issue of water has been ranked highly on the global political agenda, as water scarcity has become a threat to human survival and sustainable development. Human activities and development processes have exerted huge pressure on the already exhausted water resources. Many countries are experiencing scarcity of water, pollution and increase of other environmental disasters that will hinder the sustainable development and threaten peace and continuity of the human being. The poorest categories of people in these countries suffer most from the increasing lack of fresh water, and amongst the poor women are relatively many. 

The integration involvement of women in all aspects of development has gained international acceptance. For this reason the European Commission entrusted the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari together with other 17 partners from 14 countries of the Mediterranean the execution of a research project called GEWAMED which ultimate aim is to contribute to the mainstreaming of gender dimensions in the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)  in the Mediterranean Region.

To achieve this objective the Project has promoted a dialogue among the countries of the Region including organizing workshops and an international conference in order to promote the adoption of gender sensitive policies and build a common knowledge base. This conference will be held in Amman during 22-24 March 2010. The conference will be an opportunity to disseminate the work and experience of GEWAMED project and it will be also a mean to enrich the knowledge base of the participants by reviewing major gender and water related issues and identifying future action needs.

Joint Activity with MELIA

Parallel to this conference, the 4th workshop of MELIA project entitled; 'Benchmarking exercise and recommendation on the application of the WDF'  will be organized. The opening session will be between GEWAMED conference and MELIA project which coincide also with the celebration of the World Water Day.

Themes of the conference

1. Gender and food security in the dry lands of the Mediterranean
2. Gender Mainstreaming in natural resources management and climate change
3. Gender mainstreaming in water policies and institutions
4. Four years of GEWAMED Project: lessons learned and the way forward.

Participation

• Project partners are invited and encouraged to send more then one delegate.
• Individuals representing institutions and civic societies are welcomed to participate and present papers.
• Invited speakers who can enrich the knowledge base and discussion.
• Anybody who is interested in the issue of gender and water.

Travel and Accommodation

The campus of the University of Jordan is about 25 Km north of Amman International Airport (Queen Alia Airport). Transportation will be provided to participants from the airport to the Hotel and to the University of Jordan campus. The participants are expected to arrive on 21 March and leave on 26 March 2010. The University will get a special price for the participants in the Jerusalem Hotel

Deadlines

Abstract submission:	January 5, 2010
Notifications :	January 20, 2010
Full paper submission:	January 31,  2010
Final submission:	February 15 , 2009
Registrations :	February 20, 2010
Hotel Reservations :	March 1, 2010

Post Conference Event

A technical and tourist visit will be arranged to visit Petra and stay one night. Departure to Petra will be in the afternoon of 24 March and return back to Amman on 25 March, 2009. The University will provide transportation to Petra but participants are expected to pay hotel accommodation and other expenses. However, we will arrange for a special offer at a good hotel.

Additional Information

Questions regarding registration, administrative matters, and technical issues can be addressed to Prof. Muhammad Shatanawi, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. (Email shatanaw@ju.edu.jo), phone 962-6-5355000 ext. 22441, Fax 962-6-5355578.