International Water Management Institute (IWMI) highlights the need for women inclusivity in all aspects of technology and water management'.

ISLAMABAD -- International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Pakistan celebrated International Women's Day 2023 and held a seminar and panel discussion under the global UN theme 'Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality' in Islamabad. The commemoration on this International Women's Day 2023 by IWMI was to raise awareness for inclusivity, technology incorporation and celebrate the Pakistani woman.

IWMI through USAID funded activity Water Management for Enhanced Productivity (WMfEP) works on improving the livelihood and enriching the lives of women in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. As women constitute majority of the workforce in agriculture, their role in the food security of Pakistan is important. The total labor force engaged in agriculture in Pakistan is 37.4 %. Among this agriculture labor force, 67.9 % are women. Their involvement in agricultural policies and programs continues to be largely overlooked.

Women farmers have shown a keen interest in acquiring skills in livestock management and growing vegetables in their houses. Through WMfEP activity, women water professionals have been provided opportunities to participate in various technology transfer and capacity building trainings to progress their careers, enrich their lives and contribute in the development of their community. Women from all segments of society, from home owners, farmers, academia, researchers and livestock herders, have accelerated their development and skills by incorporating technology in their daily lives.

Dr. Mohsin Hafeez, Country Representative-IWMI Pakistan, shared that 'women play a significant role in crop production. Half of the food produced in the developing world is due to the contribution by women'.

Dr. Mark Smith, D.G. IWMI, in his statements declared that 132 women have been engaged in various interventions under WMfEP. He also stated that 'the target beneficiaries of WMfEP include the local...