[Bonga, May 11–13, 2026] — The Water and Land Resource Centre (WLRC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE), conducted a three-day practical training on transforming restrictive gender norms for inclusive Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the Woshi Catchment of the Omo-Ghibe Basin.
The training brought together 43 participants (22 men and 21 women) representing regional institutions and community structures, including Inclusive the Agriculture Bureau, Water, Mines and Energy offices, Women and Social Affairs offices, and smallholder farmer representatives. The program aimed to strengthen the capacity of local stakeholders to address restrictive and stereotypical gender norms that hinder equitable participation in the use, control, and management of water, land, and related natural resources.
Through practical and action-oriented learning sessions, participants were equipped with tools and approaches to support upcoming field-level implementation of IWRM activities. The sessions focused on conducting gender analysis to promote equity in IWRM implementation within the Woshi Catchment and the wider Omo-Ghibe Basin.
A key focus of the training was the establishment of “gender model families” as a practical approach for scaling up successful IWRM implementation. Participants learned how model families can demonstrate equitable household practices that consider the socio-economic, cultural, and biophysical realities of the Woshi Catchment. The sessions highlighted the importance of joint household planning, mutual respect and communication among family members, shared participation in water and soil conservation activities, improved personal and household hygiene, and the application of scientific agricultural practices to enhance income generation and sustainable livelihoods.
The training was facilitated by Mrs. Aynalem from the Ministry of Water and Energy and Dr. Engdasew Feleke from WLRC. Coordination support was provided by Dr. Sisay Kebede, Coordinator of the Omo-Ghibe Basin, and Mr. Asrat Gizaw, Woshi Catchment Coordinator.
Furthermore, participants also had theoretical and practical site-based training on alternative energy technologies as part of the broader capacity-development initiative.
