By Yvonne Magawa, ESAWAS, Zambia
The journey of women in the water sector is often shaped by unexpected opportunities, mentorship, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. From technology to infrastructure, the role of women in water regulation continues to grow, proving that gender is no barrier to expertise and leadership. Yvonne Magawa’s inspiring career path—from computer science to water regulation—exemplifies how an open mind, supportive mentors, and determination can lead to a meaningful impact in the sector.
Embracing the Unknown: From IT to Water Regulation
My first academic degree is in Computer Science. This is what brought me to the water sector as an IT Advisor to the Water Sector under the then GTZ (now GIZ). I was primarily recruited to support the Zambian WSS regulator, NWASCO, in the development of an electronic system for utility reporting. This was 2003, and I was a fresh graduate with no knowledge of the water sector. I remember we still used floppy disks during that time with a maximum storage of 1.44 megabytes. Nowadays, I talk more about water pipes!
Interestingly, throughout my career, it is male supervisors that have played an instrumental role in shaping and facilitating my growth. My first supervisor at GTZ told me, on my first day at work, to ‘Keep an open mind. Do not just focus on IT’, and I did just that. I learnt about pipes…well networks…water supply, sanitation, regulation, benchmarking, etc. I was given major learning opportunities and leading roles. At one point, I was responsible for coordinating all German-funded works in WASH for Zambia!
Defining My Purpose: A Passion for Regulation
In 2007, following a challenge from another supervisor who asked me, ‘What do you want to be known for? what is your speciality?’, I adjusted my career path and joined the regulators in 2008. Among my duties, I was assigned to undertake field inspections of utilities. People questioned, ‘Why was an IT person an inspector?’. I checked water quality, financial records, billing systems, etc. The field work made me realise the impact of regulation on service provision. This is how we ensure every person has affordable, quality water. At one point, I naively imagined that all of Zambia’s water came from a single treatment plant, but I couldn’t quite grasp how the pipes reached every town. That curiosity led me to a pivotal realisation—regulation is what ensures safe, reliable water services for all. I knew then that this was where I could make a real impact. I wanted to be more than just an observer; I wanted to be an effective regulator, driving improvements in water services and shaping policies that truly make a difference.
A Continental-Focused Role: Leading the Way in WSS Regulation
I have been very fortunate not to have faced gender barriers in my work. Colleagues and supervisors have always been open and available to teach and facilitate my work – male and female alike. I climbed water tanks and inspected broken sewers! I was given various roles and tasks that had no relation to IT. In many ways, I was allowed to innovate and bring new ideas into the work environment. Based on this strong support, I became CEO of ESAWAS Regulators Association in 2022, and now I can support many countries across Africa to improve water supply and sanitation (WSS) services.
WSS regulation has really been a game changer, and I am proud of every regulator that is working hard to ensure everyone has access to quality services, from a newly born baby to the oldest gogo (that’s what we call old people). That tariff decision, that water quality standard, services hours – it is through regulation with a view for sustainable services for all. And I am part of that. I am a proud female regulator because mine is a story that shows how women can thrive in equal opportunity settings.
And by the way, I do still talk of bytes, but together with water pipes.
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