YOGE TO LEAD A MULTI - STAKEHOLDER DIALOGUE FOR INCLUSIVE WATER GOVERNANCE IN RUVUMA, TANZANIA

Yaliyomo humu (Habari, Matangazo na Maoni) si msimamo wa BMG Media. Mawasiliano +255 757 432 694 ama ripotabmg@gmail.com

The Youth Environmental Justice and Gender Equality (YOGE), with support from IUCNs BRIDGE Women Leadership Grants, will convene a multi-stakeholder dialogue for Inclusive Water Governance on April 22nd in Songea, Tanzania, to advance inclusive water governance in the Ruvuma Basin.

The dialogue will bring together diverse stakeholders for a series of interactive sessions, including panel discussions and dialogue on inclusive water resource management, gender equality, women’s participation in water governance, use of technology, financial literacy, and environmental strategy to advance community voices in freshwater governance, with inclusive participation of women, youth, and vulnerable groups, Strengthened water user associations and local institutions for equitable and transparent water allocation, Increased adoption of climate-resilient practices in agriculture, fisheries, and domestic water use, Reduced water conflicts through improved dialogue between communities, Ruvuma & Southern Coast Basin (RSCBWB), and local authorities; and Documented best practices. 

These sessions will be complemented by a question-and-answer segment and collaborative group discussions aimed at developing a joint action plan for the basin.

The event will conclude with the presentation of key outcomes, recommendations, and a shared roadmap for action, alongside networking opportunities to strengthen partnerships among stakeholders.

This dialogue is part of the Inclusive Freshwater Governance for Sustainable Communities in Ruvuma Basin “Voices for Water” project, launched in early 2026. 

The project seeks to promote inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive water governance by empowering women and youth to actively participate in decision-making processes at both community and basin levels.

The initiative is expected to benefit communities across the Ruvuma, Ruhuhu, Luwegu, and Mbinga sub-basins by improving water access, strengthening governance systems, and enhancing ecosystem protection.

 It also fosters collaboration among government institutions, water authorities, civil society organizations, media, and local communities to ensure coordinated and sustainable water resource management.

Through capacity building, advocacy, multi-stakeholder engagement, and media outreach, the project aims to enhance climate resilience, reduce water-related conflicts, and support sustainable livelihoods. 

It emphasizes that inclusive water governance is critical for preventing resource degradation, reducing inequalities, and promoting peace and cooperation across the basin.

Key implementing partners in this initiative include Tanzania Media for Community Development (TAMCODE), Ruvuma Southern and Coastal Water Basin Board, Office of the Regional Commissioner of Ruvuma, Mbinga Town Council and Songea Municipal Council in the Ruvuma Region.

The dialogue will convene women, youth, and marginalized groups, as well as representatives from implementing partners, Office of the Regional Commissioner of Ruvuma, Local government authorities, the Ruvuma Southern and Coastal Water Basin Board, water governance authorities, local community-based organizations, water user associations, water committees, community radio journalists, and members of the press from within and beyond the Ruvuma Region.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)s Building River Dialogue and Governance (BRIDGE) Women Leadership Grants support women-led and women-focused initiatives that strengthen leadership in freshwater governance and ecosystem restoration. 

The grants enhance the capacity of women and their organizations to lead actions that benefit shared basins and promote resilient freshwater ecosystems.

 For more information, please visit: BRIDGE Programme Grants – The IUCN Water Knowledge Platform.  

The Youth Environmental Justice and Gender Equality (YOGE) is a youth-led organization based in Tanzania, committed to advancing inclusive and sustainable development by empowering youth, women, and marginalized groups across the country. For more information, please visit: Website:www.yoge.or.tz , Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577492116633  and Instagram: yoge_tz ,