By Ximena Quiroz, LIS-Water
Background and Education: The Unexpected Path to Water
As a Peruvian economist, my journey into the water sector was not something I had planned. Growing up in a country where water scarcity is a major challenge, I was always aware of its importance, but I never imagined it would become the central focus of my career. My academic journey began at the National Agrarian University La Molina, where I earned my degree and developed a keen interest in environmental sustainability. Courses like Economics of Natural Resources and Environmental Economics sparked my curiosity about how economic principles could help solve urgent environmental issues.
At the time, I was fascinated by how policies could shape the sustainable use of natural resources. However, I hadn’t yet made the connection between economics and water governance. That realisation came later, as I gained professional experience and saw firsthand the complexities involved in ensuring access to safe and reliable water services.
As my career progressed, I sought a more strategic approach to the challenges I faced. This led me to pursue an MBA at ESAN University, where I gained innovative tools and started thinking creatively—something that was not common in the public sector but is gradually being embraced by public institutions. This shift in perspective has been invaluable, particularly when addressing complex issues like water regulation and governance.
Early Career Path: From Economics to Water Regulation
I first entered the water sector when I joined the Superintendence of National Sanitation Services (SUNASS) in Peru. It was there that I truly understood the intricate balance between regulation, service provision, and sustainability. My work focused on developing regulatory frameworks to improve water service quality, ensure user satisfaction, and strengthen oversight mechanisms.
At SUNASS, I learned that this work wasn’t just about economic models or policy recommendations—it was about real people, real challenges, and the impact effective regulation can have on communities. I began to understand that access to water is not just a technical or economic issue; it’s a matter of governance, equity, and long-term sustainability.
One of the most eye-opening experiences during this time was witnessing the critical role women play in rural water management. In many communities, women are responsible for collecting and distributing water and ensuring its daily use. However, their contributions are often overlooked in decision-making processes. This realisation deepened my commitment to integrating gender perspectives into water governance.
Gender-Based Challenges and Professional Barriers
Water regulation, like many technical and policy-driven sectors, has traditionally been dominated by men. Throughout my career, I faced numerous challenges stemming from this gender imbalance. Decision-making spaces were often male-dominated, and at times, I found myself needing to justify my proposals more rigorously than my male counterparts for them to be taken seriously.
There were moments when technical expertise alone wasn’t enough—I had to be strategic, persistent, and proactive in asserting my voice. Overcoming these barriers required not only strong analytical skills but also building support networks with other women in the sector and allies who valued diverse perspectives.
These experiences reinforced my belief that sustainable water management requires inclusive leadership. When women are actively involved in regulatory decision-making, water governance benefits from more holistic, community-centered approaches that prioritise long-term social and environmental well-being.
My Current Role: Advancing Water Regulation and Governance
Recently, I had the opportunity to join LIS-Water, the Lisbon International Centre for Water in Portugal, where I now work as part of a team dedicated to promoting excellence in water governance, regulation, and management worldwide. LIS-Water is an organisation focused on addressing the challenges in the water sector by integrating knowledge, fostering innovation, and facilitating collaboration among key stakeholders.
At LIS-Water, our focus is on:
- Research and Development: Conducting advanced studies to generate innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability in water management.
- Strategic Advisory: Offering expert guidance to governments and institutions to strengthen their regulatory frameworks and water policies.
- Training and Capacity Building: Providing educational programs to develop technical expertise and leadership skills among water professionals.
In my role, I collaborate with international organisations, government agencies, and funding partners to bridge knowledge gaps and support regulatory reforms across Latin America, Europe, and Africa. We aim to ensure that improvements in regulations translate into tangible benefits for communities, making sure that investments in infrastructure, treatment processes, and long-term water security strategies are well-regulated and effectively managed to maximise their impact.
The Impact I Hope to Achieve on Water Sustainability
Through my work, I aspire to contribute to a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable water sector—one where regulatory frameworks are not only technically sound but also socially equitable. Strong water governance is the foundation for ensuring universal access, improving service quality, and addressing challenges posed by climate change and increasing water scarcity.
I also continue to advocate for gender equality in water leadership. Bringing more women into regulatory and decision-making roles is not just a matter of fairness—it directly improves how policies are designed and implemented, ensuring they are more inclusive and effective.
Water: A Constant Thread in My Life and Work
Water has profoundly shaped my career and perspective. Coming from a country where water scarcity is a daily struggle for many, I witnessed how service interruptions became a part of public discourse—appearing in news reports, social media, and regulatory monitoring efforts. While some lived with uncertainty, others remained unaware of these challenges.
Now, in Portugal, it strikes me that drinking water directly from the tap is safe in most parts of the country—a practice that still feels unfamiliar to me. This reliability, however, is not a coincidence; it is the result of decades of investment, planning, and strong governance. It’s a reminder that access to safe water isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about the policies and decisions that sustain it.
Today, my work goes beyond regulation. It’s about connecting knowledge, resources, and action to ensure that governance keeps pace with emerging challenges and delivers real impact. Because water isn’t just a resource—it’s a right, and its future depends on how we choose to manage it.
