Webinar // Advancing the WEFE-GESI Nexus: Insights on leadership and localization from Nepal
This webinar explored the WEFE – GESI nexus as a solution for climate resilience and positioned these two areas as critical, complementary lenses for advancing equitable livelihoods and maximizing the impact of scarce investments.
Introduction
While resource scarcity and growing demand initially drove WEFE nexus thinking, today’s climate, economic and geopolitical uncertainties make its operationalization more urgent than ever. Shrinking investments in environmental protection, coupled with global disruptions to essential supplies, are accelerating environmental degradation and intensifying food and water security challenges, particularly for the vulnerable populations. Despite the urgency of protecting these communities, past research has shown that gender considerations remain absent from nearly 90% of WEFE nexus interventions. Neglecting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion can reinforce exclusion, exacerbate local grievances, and ultimately undermine the sustainability and resilience of development outcomes.
Content
This session of the WEFE Nexus Policy Series by IWMI and CGIAR bridged theory and practice by drawing on insights and experiences from Nepal. Two experts presented their work on strengthening the leadership capacities of women professionals and effectively localising a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)-responsive WEFE Nexus approach. Broadening the discussion beyond South Asia, discussants from the MENA region and South Africa reflected on the relevance and transferability of strategies applied in Nepal, considering the specific challenges and opportunities in their respective regions.
Hosted by
International Water Management Institute
Published
01 July 2026
Stream webinar
You can access the webinar recording via YouTube here.