Since 2014, ICIMOD and HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation have initiated collaborative action research on Water Use Master Plans (WUMPs). Together they undertook pilot research project aiming to improve understanding of water issues and the need for participatory and inclusive water use planning at the local level. In 2015, ICIMOD commissioned a study entitled, “Review the Processes of Water Use Master Plan from Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Perspective” to make WUMP more GESI responsive. The study was carried out in the village development committees where WUMP preparation was supported by HELVETAS Swiss Inter-cooperation and Rural Village Water Resources Management Project.
The study focused on how GESI is mainstreamed in WUMP formulation and implementation processes. It is hoped the findings of the study will constitute an important source of information for evidence-based policy advocacy to promote gender equality and social inclusion in integrated water resource management.