A multi-country programme concludes, demonstrating that inclusive governance strengthens urban climate resilience and improves water access for thousands.
A landmark initiative designed to place women at the center of water governance in North African cities marked its completion today. The Women and Sustainable Cities programme, funded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and implemented by Cities Alliance with local partners, has spent the past two and a half years empowering women in Sebkha (Mauritania), Figuig (Morocco), and Kairouan (Tunisia), Cities Alliance reports.
The programme reached 2,532 people, over 60% of them women, through a mix of citizen surveys, leadership training, and co-creation workshops. It moved beyond theory to action, proving that engaging women directly in decision-making leads to more effective and sustainable water management.
“By closely working with municipalities and communities, the programme showed that engaging women in decision-making can improve water management and benefit everyone when governance is inclusive,” said Leonie Grob, the programme’s Coordinator.
The initiative translated into tangible, city-specific projects that blended modern needs with traditional knowledge:
- In Figuig, Morocco, a traditional communal washhouse (lavoir) was rehabilitated, and women received training to integrate into agricultural water user associations.
- In Kairouan, Tunisia, a municipal garden was revived using a rainwater harvesting system, and a women’s group was trained to manage and restore majels, the ancient cisterns central to the region’s water heritage.
- In Sebkha, Mauritania, a new solar-powered communal water point was established, co-managed by the municipality and local women, now serving thousands of residents who previously relied on expensive vendors.
“This programme allowed me to step outside my usual frame, take on responsibilities within my association and participate in important decisions for our community,” said Meriem Alhyane, a training participant from Figuig.
Ismaila Ba, the Mayor of Sebkha, highlighted the practical necessity. “Involving women in water management is essential because they are the ones who go in search of water… Giving women a role helps address these challenges.”
In Kairouan, civil engineer Amira Ouerfelli spoke to the revival of indigenous science. “The Majel is our ancient science. It teaches us to live with the climate, not against it. When I saw the municipal garden come back to life… I felt our traditional knowledge finally had a place.”
The programme’s conclusion is being marked by a high-level panel debate in Nouakchott on “North African Cities Facing Water Stress: The Challenge of Gender-Sensitive and Inclusive Water Management.” Additionally, a photo exhibition titled “Women at the Heart of Water Management” will open at the French Institute in Mauritania on October 1, 2025, showcasing the contributions of women from the three cities and championing their role in building a sustainable urban future.
TunisianMonitorOnline (BRC- Cities Alliance)
