By Chelsea Hayward, Francisca Sousa Braga, Jacqueline Sampah Adjei, Marina Batalini de Macedo, Natasha Mumba, Rita Noelle Moussa
Over recent decades, significant advances in the water sector have been made, however, gender inequality remains a persistent challenge at all levels, with women representing only 17% of the water and sanitation workforce globally. A new generation of young water professionals is taking bold steps to transform this landscape and break barriers, actively reshaping the water sector.
What makes this moment particularly crucial? As the water sector struggles with unprecedented challenges from climate change to ageing infrastructure, diverse perspectives and talents are essential for innovation and resilience. Young water professionals bring energy and new ideas for a more equitable and inclusive sector. Their experiences highlight persistent barriers and illuminate pathways to meaningful change.
Youth Perspectives on Water-Related Challenges for Women
Young people today recognise that water-related challenges disproportionately impact women, both at the community level and within the water sector. In many regions, women and girls still bear the burden of collecting water for their households, often walking long distances, which limits their education and economic opportunities. At the same time, women remain underrepresented in decision-making roles within the water sector, facing barriers to leadership, employment and technical training. Despite decades of discussions on gender equality in water management, progress has been slow, and young water professionals see these persistent inequalities as a call to action. Aware that past generations have struggled with the same issues, they are motivated to push for systematic change, ensuring that water governance and infrastructure development are inclusive, equitable and sustainable.
Changemakers for Gender Equality
Young water professionals have a crucial role to play in advancing gender equality in the water sector by challenging outdated norms and pushing for inclusive policies. They can advocate for equal opportunities in education, training, and leadership, ensuring that women have access to technical roles and decision-making positions. By driving and promoting mentorship programs, young professionals can contribute to supporting and empowering women in the sector and inspire the next generation of women entering the sector, fostering a more diverse and equitable workforce. They can also use technology and innovation to develop gender-sensitive solutions that reduce the burden of water collection on women in communities and lead initiatives that promote women’s involvement in water management. Through research, advocacy, and collaboration with different stakeholders, young professionals can drive meaningful change, ensuring that gender equality becomes a priority in water management and governance.
A Personal Reflection by Marina Batalini de Macedo
In addition to the technological and engineering water solutions we create for ourselves and our communities, our mission to build better must also embrace local and traditional knowledge, as well as the needs of those often excluded. At the 2023 UN Water Conference, I had the privilege of hearing Patrícia Gualinga, a representative of the Indigenous peoples of Ecuador. Her words about their perception of water left a profound impact on me. She said, “Some say that the river is our sister, some say that the rain is a woman, and the water drops are her hair …. No matter what you call it, water is a woman. A society that does not respect women does not respect water.” This powerful speech encapsulates the values we must integrate into our work to ensure sustainability. Achieving gender equality is essential to accomplishing SDG 6.
IWA YWP Steering Committee Leading the Way
The IWA YWP Steering Committee is setting a powerful example of gender inclusivity with its all-female leadership team and a committee comprising 70% women. This strong representation of women in leadership demonstrates that change is possible when opportunities are created and barriers are dismantled. By prioritising gender equality, the committee is not only fostering a more diverse and inclusive network, but also inspiring young professionals worldwide to challenge the status quo in the water sector.
A Call to Action
A truly inclusive and diverse water sector ensures equal gender representation across all professional levels, from graduate roles to senior management. Organisations thrive when diversity is prioritised, making it essential to create environments where everyone has an equal opportunity to grow. Inclusion extends beyond just recruitment numbers;, retention of underrepresented demographics is just as critical. Women must feel they belong, are valued for who they are, and have equal opportunities to advance in their careers within the water sector. Achieving this requires actively tracking progress, gathering localised data, and using this information to drive meaningful change across the sector. Building true diversity also requires intentional collaboration, stepping beyond familiar circles, embracing different perspectives, and working alongside people with different experiences to build inclusive teams. True diversity demands action—being an ally, speaking up when inequities arise, and championing a culture where everyone can thrive. By embracing diversity, the water sector can better address the complex challenges it faces, learn from each other, and build closer relationships across the globe, ultimately leading to more sustainable and equitable water management for all.
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