“Water had been always an issue dominated by men, specially engineers, but worldwide shortages of it has made it a social interest where women’s participation can’t be scorned’’, said Patricia Avila Garcia, researcher in Water, Society and Environment for the Ecology laboratory at UNAM and member of the Latin American Water Tribunal jury.

Despite this, women still struggle to be recognized in their capabilities as happened when just 3 women were chosen to be part of the 9 members’ jury of the Water Tribunal. Actually one of the woman jurors was absent in the event because the Mexican consulate in El Salvador refused to give her a visa.

Selma Diaz, a sociologist and founder of the Physics Planning Department from Cuba, explained that her participation was due to the support of the Heinrich Boll Foundation as was the case of other women.

‘‘It was like another conquest for women because if only two women are part of this jury, at least there is some participation at all’’, she said.

In her turn, Avila declared that she applied to be part of the jury as soon as she has notice of the event and was accepted.

Regarding the six cases revised so far in this fourth day of works, jury members agreed to say that all of them have been interesting after several work sessions and audiences taken place respectfully and on equal terms.

Talking of the lack of female participation in forums, Diaz said that as all cases of discrimination there is still prejudice applied against women.

“There is still a belief that men are better for everything, that’s why when a woman reaches these events certainly must be twice as good than a man to make herself visible and to participate’’, she indicated.

On the lack of women participation, Avila and Diaz agreed in there is still trouble with the idea that women only can feel and don’t think and for that reason they are not good for mathematics or engineering careers.

Nevertheless, Avila emphasized that water shortage worldwide is a problem taken more seriously by women who usually are more sensible to it even if it’s an issue that must concern to everyone.

‘‘When I visit poor communities is easy to realize that women are the ones taking the responsibility of the supply, care and possession of water’’, she said.

Finally women are more sensitive to solve family problems around the world and one of those frequently may be the lack of water in their homes, Avila detailed.

Events like the Water Tribunal forum have an ethical purpose but also help to open new ways of discussion, she said.

Even when the Latin American Water Tribunal is not a binding event it could work as a forum to hear the problems related with the lack of water and how is confronted by other countries.

‘’If there are or not agreements amid the participants, at least the bridges to talk in a peaceful way are ready, so the issue can be approach without any violence or aggression’’, Diaz concluded.

06/LG/GT