This study was conducted within the ESCWA Centre for Women (ECW) strategic framework for 2006-2007, with a focus on the approach of mainstreaming a gender perspective in developmental policies and programmes, including specific areas such as water resources and environmental protection. The study consists of three chapters; the first chapter, on one hand, showcases gender issues and the importance of mainstreaming gender in achieving comprehensive and sustainable development. It also emphasizes the importance of reducing the gap between men and women in all societies and the role of mainstreaming gender in achieving progress towards the reduction in the extent of gender-based inequality of opportunity.

Chapter 2, on the other hand, focuses on gender issues in specific areas such as water resources, through highlighting the importance of gender mainstreaming in Integrated Water Resources Management IWRM, and providing an overview on IWRM gender mainstreaming in ESCWA member states, while focusing on the analytical framework and the role of National Commissions for Women. It finally ends up with useful findings and analyses. Chapter 3, in turn, addresses the role of gender mainstreaming in the region especially in the area of environmental protection and the importance of involving women in the identification of pollution problems and practical solutions, before concluding with general recommendations thereon.