By: Bénigne Ishimwe Mugwaneza, Chotiwat Jantarakasem, Federick Pinongcos, Linda Li, Natalie Paez, Shivon Mehta, Yumeng Zhao
International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. In the water sector, women play a crucial role, yet they remain underrepresented. Recognising their contributions and empowering them is essential for sustainable water management. This article captures the shared insights and ideas of the participants from the International Water Association’s LeaP Leadership Programme for Young Water Professionals, who are dedicated to driving leadership and innovation in the water sector.
Despite making up half of the global population, women are significantly underrepresented in the water sector. According to a 2019 World Bank survey, women constitute less than 20% of the workforce in water and sanitation utilities. However, their impact is profound. Women are leading initiatives that improve access to clean water, enhance sanitation, and promote sustainable practices. Their contributions extend from professional fields like engineering and policy-making to essential roles within families and communities.
Women in the water sector face numerous challenges, including gender biases, work-life balance, and the need for ongoing mentorship. True inclusion means ensuring that women’s voices influence decisions, not just that they are present in the room. In many regions of the world, women and girls have shouldered the greatest burden of water and sanitation challenges, yet their perspectives remain underrepresented in key decision-making spaces. Programmes like LeaP address these issues by providing a supportive network and opportunities for professional growth. By fostering inclusive environments and offering mentorship, we can help women navigate these challenges and thrive in their careers.
Our participation in the LeaP so far has been impactful and extremely rewarding. Through mentorship and collaboration, we have gained the confidence and expertise needed to excel in a traditionally male-dominated field. Personal stories from our journey highlight the empowerment we have experienced, from leading meaningful projects to advocating for ourselves in our own careers. The LeaP has been instrumental in shaping us into future leaders, demonstrating the vital role of diversity in STEM. Mentorship programmes like LeaP allow senior women to pass down their knowledge and experiences to the next generation, strengthening the pathway for future leaders. As noted by Programme Participant Natalie Paez, “This programme has given me a deeper understanding of my strengths and values, empowering me to lead with greater confidence and purpose. I feel better equipped to navigate the challenges ahead and drive positive change in the water sector from my research.”
Looking ahead, the increasing leadership of women in the water sector is promising. Our collective goals include fostering innovation, promoting gender equality, and ensuring sustainable water management practices. We envision a future where women are at the forefront of decision-making, driving positive change and inspiring the next generation of leaders. With greater representation, women are influencing policies that promote equitable water access and climate resilience. Reflecting on the progress made, it is clear that women are integral to the advancement of the water sector.
We call on young women to join this dynamic field and encourage men to be allies in promoting gender equality. Together, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable future, where women are empowered to lead and innovate in the water sector. The continued contributions of programmes like LeaP are essential in fostering leadership and bridging the gender gap, ensuring a resilient water sector capable of tackling global challenges. We believe that real change happens when representation is accompanied by recognition, respect, and the right support systems, ensuring that women’s voices are not just present but truly heard.
Click here to learn more about the IWA LeaP Leadership Programme and their achievements.
