Gender Equality, Climate Resilience and Water Safety Training
Empowering Community Champions for Sustainable Development in RMI
September 5, 2024
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Participants following the ACWA-led training in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands: The fourth Women and Youth Training for Gender Equality, Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction and Water Safety Management has recently taken place at the University of the South Pacific’s campus in Majuro, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI).
This vital training was organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office through the Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) project.
The week-long capacity-building training aimed to empower women and youth with the knowledge and practices needed for climate-resilient water safety management in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). This training reinforces a commitment to enhancing RMI’s water security and community resilience against climate change impacts, especially women and youth, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The training welcomed participants from all 24 atolls and featured resource speakers from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international development partners from the RMI Environmental Protection Authority, Climate Change Directorate, Office of the Chief Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs, National Disaster Management Office, Women United Together Marshall Islands, RMI Human Trafficking Task Force, Waan Aelõñ in Majel, Jo-Jikum, and the International Organization for Migration.
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Participants during the training in Majuro.
In her opening remarks, Secretary for the Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs, Brenda Alik, underscored the significance of collective action in building a climate-resilient nation.
“It is our shared responsibility to come together and work with each other. As we face the challenges posed by climate change, understanding its impact on our water resources is essential for improving the well-being of communities across the Marshall Islands,” she said.
RMI Environmental Protection Authority General Manager, Moriana Philip, highlighted in her speech the essential role of women and youth in addressing climate-related challenges.
"This workshop unites us from various communities to address the pressing issues we face today, including climate-related challenges, particularly on our water resources.
“We want to emphasize the vital role of women and youth in this project as your involvement is instrumental to its success and beyond,” she said.
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UNDP staff and workshop participants discussing climate-resilient water safety management.
The first day of the workshop covered critical issues related to gender equality, human rights, and public health within the Marshall Islands. It included discussions on gender equality and mainstreaming, focusing on the impacts of climate change on water security and the disproportionate effects on vulnerable groups. The importance of integrating gender equality and social inclusion into all project aspects was also discussed.
Human rights and human trafficking were tackled, stressing the need for comprehensive protection of vulnerable populations during emergencies. Additionally, the workshop addressed gender-based violence, highlighting the various forms that can arise in disaster situations, such as domestic violence and sexual coercion. The agenda concluded with a focus on sanitation and hygiene, and their vital role in health, livelihoods, school attendance, dignity, and building resilient communities.
ACWA Project Manager, Koji Kumamaru, expressed his gratitude to all participants, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to their communities.
“Women and youth are key to the success of the ACWA project. More importantly, you are the champions and future leaders who will return to your communities to empower others,” he said.
During the workshop, participants visited Rongrong Island and examined the 15,000-gallon Flatpack Modular water tank installed at the Rongrong High School Boys Dormitory as part of the ACWA project. The installation is a key component of the project, complemented thanks to support from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The visit served as a valuable firsthand experience of the positive impact of the ACWA project on the community and its water resources.
![ACWA RMI ACWA RMI](/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2024-09/815a0906.jpg)
This vital training was organized by the United Nations Development Programme Pacific Office through the Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector project.
Marie Naisher from Jabat Island expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to join the workshop and made clear her desire to be part of the project when it reaches Jabat.
"This was my first time participating in such training, and I learned so much from the guest speakers, group activities, and the site visit. I now understand the importance of clean water and how to sanitize it. I’m excited about the ACWA project coming to Jabat and ready to help when it arrives," she said.
Don Kobney, an ACWA site coordinator from Santo, Kwajalein, also shared his excitement.
"The workshop and site visit boosted my confidence and understanding of the water tank installation. Seeing the 15,000-gallon flatpack modular water tank firsthand gave me a clear understanding of the system, and I’m looking forward to sharing this knowledge with my community," he said.
By the workshop's end, participants were equipped with a better understanding of climate change and its local impacts, drive adaptation and mitigation efforts, particularly in water safety, and utilize new resources to make a positive impact in their communities.
ACWA is made possible thanks to the support of the Green Climate Fund, with the project co-financed by the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Koji Kumamaru | Project Manager, ACWA Project | koji.kumamaru@undp.org