My journey with the International Water Association (IWA) began in 2017, at the IWA UK Young Water Professional (YWP) Conference—my very first time presenting at a professional conference. I was honoured to receive the “Best Presenter” award, which earned me a spot at the IWA YWP Eastern European Conference 2018 in Zagreb. That trip marked my first international presentation, and it opened my eyes to the focused expertise, global collaboration, and rich opportunities that IWA offers. From that moment, I knew this was an organisation I wanted to be a part of. Multiple events, online activities and countless meetings later and suddenly I have been volunteering with the IWA United Kingdom (UK) YWP Chapter for 6 whole years!

International Learning

In 2022, I was able to attend the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Denmark due to my engagement with the first in-person World Water Camp. This immersive “conference within a conference” brought together 50 students worldwide for lectures, field trips, and a three-month online programme. I was proud to receive the Best Engagement Award during the camp. In 2024, I was fortunate to attend the World Water Camp again—this time in Toronto, Canada.

I stepped into a new role as Global YWP Chapter Coordinator for the IWA YWP Steering Committee (2024–2026), where I’ve set up some monthly informal drop-in calls with global IWA YWP Chairs to help share knowledge, best practices and ideas. I am very keen to learn from other countries and their efforts to help me as we form a new IWA YWP UK Steering Committee. We hope to launch our version of World Water Camp for the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Glasgow in 2026, giving others the same chance to grow and connect as I’ve had.

A Low-Carbon Adventure

Rather than flying straight there and back to the 2024 IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition, I decided to turn the trip into a low-emissions, budget-conscious East Canada overland adventure. For under £800, I travelled from Manchester to Dublin to Halifax, then journeyed overland through Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Niagara Falls—all the way back to Halifax and home to London. Over 2500 km of travel included 3 trains, 3 coaches, underground trains, and even a replacement bus service, between 3 and 20 August 2024. Along the way, I slept in university halls, hostel dorms (ranging from 6 to 12 beds), on a >20-hour sleeper train, and even in an old prison! When I finally arrived in Toronto, hiking backpack in tow, my colleagues were amused—but I was beaming with pride and gratitude.

Paying It Forward

None of these experiences would have been possible without the kindness and support of the IWA UK Governing Member, and the voluntary work I’ve committed to over the years, especially with the IWA YWP UK Chapter. I’m incredibly thankful, and I wholeheartedly encourage other young professionals to get involved. Volunteering with the IWA has given me invaluable professional growth, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories.

I’m committed to paying this opportunity forward—and ensuring the next generation of water professionals gets to write their own incredible IWA stories, both at the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Glasgow 2026 and beyond. Applications are open now to join the IWA UK YWP.

Find out more info on how to join the IWA YWP UK Chapter here.

Find out more info on the IWA UK YWP Conference 2025 here.

Look for more information on the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Glasgow soon!

#roadtoglasgow

The post From First Presentation to Global Leadership: My Journey with the IWA appeared first on IWA Network.

Taipei Water District (TWD) serves 3.7 million people with a 99.7% service coverage, directly supplying water to its primary service area, with an extended infrastructure supporting an additional 1.73 million cubic metres per day (CMD) and 0.71 million CMD, reaching more than 6 million residents in 2023. As a water utility owned by the Taipei City government, TWD focuses exclusively on water supply services, extracting 97.5% of its raw water from Xing Dian Creek. The utility relies on a single major water catchment, leaving it without alternative water resources. Challenged by the impacts of climate change, the utility experiences droughts, resulting in inevitable water shortage. In 2002, TWD experienced a severe drought that led to water rationing for two months in Taipei.

Typhoons and heavy rains cause significant spikes in raw water turbidity, which can exceed treatment capacities and compromise water treatment plant operations. These extreme weather events frequently lead to temporary shutdowns of water supply, disrupting the utility’s ability to provide consistent water services.

For example, in 2015, the residents had to endure the unendurable – turbid tap water supply and/or water outage during the strike of a typhoon Soudelor. During such challenges, organisational assets can be controlled and maintained, whereas environmental impacts are uncontrollable and unpredictable. However, two decades ago, TWD’s pipeline networks suffered severe leakages due to their old and obsolete nature. In 2006, the leakage rate rose to 27%, reporting about 13 leaks. High leakage rates significantly increase the risk of water shortage by compromising the utility’s water resource management and reducing the effective available water supply.

Historically, TWD has demonstrated poor energy efficiency, with water pumping consuming approximately 90% of its power and generating significant greenhouse gas emissions, recording 91,600 tCO2e for Scope 1 & 2 in 2005 alone. While these challenges are substantial, they are addressable through a comprehensive approach that integrates adaptation, mitigation strategies, and strong leadership.

Adapting to climate change

In efforts to enhance the resilience of the water supply to adapt to the changing climate, TWD has diversified its water portfolio comprising three water sources, which are 97.5% of the water from XingDian creek, 1.1% from ShuanXi creek and 1.4% from YangMing mountain’s watersheds.

TWD also initiated the ‘Water Supply Network Improvement and Management Project’ from 2006 to 2025 with the aim of reducing the leakage rate to 10% by 2025. Continuously, a new Network Improvement project will be implemented from 2025 to 2034, targeting a leakage rate of 7% by 2034.

To ensure water supply safety, TWD has rolled out a rehabilitation programme from 2020 to 2034 by systematically reviewing and improving to achieve a stable water supply, optimised management and disaster prevention. Activities under this programme include transmission pipe maintenance such as cleaning, inspection, renewal or replacement of high-risk pipelines of 75 kilometres. Such improvements enable an agile response to face the impacts of climate change and enhance the resilience of essential infrastructure for disaster recovery.

Also, as a response to the high turbidity risk of raw water during the typhoon season, TWD invested in a raw water tunnel from the Feitsui Reservoir Project in 2015. This tunnel is capable of water intake of low turbidity from the reservoir directly. TWD has established vital facilities for urban disaster prevention, and by 2026, 29 additional wells are expected to be installed. These facilities are meant to help during the water interruption period, including setting up temporary water stations & groundwater well drilling.

Lastly, TWD believes in investments to increase resilience. From 2006 to 2025, a total investment of over $1.86 billion USD has been allocated to enhance water infrastructure and resilience. This includes $500 million (2006–2024) for system backup through water trunk and WTP redundancy, $560 million (2020–2034) for facility rehabilitation, focusing on trunk line overhauling and WTP upgrades, and $730 million (2006–2025) for network improvements such as pipeline replacement, pressure management, and leakage control. Additionally, $78 million (2015–2024) has been dedicated to constructing a new raw water trunk for direct intake from the reservoir, while emergency water rationing measures are being implemented through temporary water stations and groundwater well drilling to mitigate supply interruptions. Due to these investments, TWD has been able to increase the redundancy rate of its water treatment capacity from 13% in 2006 to 67% in 2023, increasing water treatment capacity up to 4.53 million cubic metres per day compared to the maximum daily water supply of 2.72 million cubic metres.

Mitigation actions

With short-term carbon reduction targets of 25% by 2025, 40% by 2030, 65% by 2040, and net-zero emissions by 2050, TWD is making ongoing decarbonisation efforts to meet these targets. Compared to the 2005 baseline of ISO14064-1 Scope 1 & Scope 2 GHG emissions of 91,600 tCO2e, the utility’s GHG emissions in 2023 have been reduced to 48,200 tCO2e, a 47.4% reduction.

Energy savings are considered the primary source of decarbonisation for the utility.  Through the adoption of Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), feedback control in pump stations, and use water heads from gravity for by-pass supply without pumping during off-peak hours, TWD’s electricity consumption for water supply has decreased from 0.176 kWh/m3 to 0.107 kWh/m3 with an annual consumption fall from 161 GWh to 96 GWh. This has resulted in a huge reduction of 65 GWh, equivalent to a daily savings of about 178 MWh, indicating significant energy savings. Another area of energy savings is the development of renewable energy. The utility has tendered out the construction of the commercial solar panels and small hydropower plants with a capacity of 2.13 MW on their premises. In 2023, they generated renewable electricity of 2,283 MWh, equivalent to carbon reduction of 1,162 tCO2e.

To quantify energy-saving and green energy solutions, TWD has carried out an organisational level GHG inventory & verification for OPEX carbons, also establishing a methodology by ISO14067 for CAPEX carbons estimation. This will help identify significant indirect emission sources and continuously improve carbon reduction actions.

Smart management is also employed by TWD to accelerate leakage reduction and improvement. Through integrating smart meters, IoTs into DMA, the behaviours of the pipeline network are monitored with a hydraulic digital twin or an AI algorithm for smart leakage control. As of 2023, 458 DMAs were completed with a leakage rate under 10%. Approximately 280 million cubic metres of water loss is saved annually, showing a significant achievement in leakage reduction and mitigation of GHG emissions.

Communication with citizens

In 2023, TWD transitioned its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee into the Sustainable Development Committee to align with ESG priorities. The committee’s key responsibilities included formulating sustainability policies and action plans that address economic, environmental, and social dimensions, while promoting human rights and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It also emphasises fostering employee capabilities by cultivating a strong learning culture to continuously update knowledge and skills, benefiting not only TWD’s workforce but also customers, suppliers, and contractors. Additionally, the committee prioritises global knowledge exchange, sharing best practices with utilities at both national and international levels, such as the 9th IWA-ASPIRE conference in 2023, where TWD presented 50 oral and poster presentations. Furthermore, TWD collaborates with stakeholders to promote water conservation, delivering 38,490 household services and 55 water conservation sessions between 2016 and 2023, resulting in 1.4 million cubic metres of water savings.

Lessons learned

Establishing the resilience of water supply against climate change nowadays is not just a single task from the engineering department, but rather, a collaborative effort across the entire organisation, involving scientific research, best practices, and workforce management.

The key to success is strong leadership within the team, however, engagement with stakeholders & ability of employees are essential too.

Building resilience is a long-term, complex process that demands sustained, multifaceted efforts spanning decades, requiring numerous interconnected initiatives and strategic approaches implemented progressively over time. During the long-term implementation periods, the organisation must be flexible enough to make some alterations or adjustments, while remaining on the same goal irrespective of the changing & evolving environment, technologies, and even people themselves. TWD has already practised this during the implementation of their leakage control initiatives and believes this can be realised again, given the issue of resilience & net zero as well.

The post Establishing the Resilience of Water Supply in the Metropolitan Taipei appeared first on IWA Network.

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.

The post Empowering Women in Water: Leadership, Challenges, and the Path Forward appeared first on IWA Network.

As a mentor, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of mentorship and sponsorship in addressing gender leadership gaps by increasing water women’s: representation at all levels, visibility, dismantling gender barriers, opening doors to leadership roles and innovative solutions.

The paradox here is clear: mentoring and sponsoring women aims to support the advancement of women by addressing gender disparities, yet such actions often fall short of tackling the deeper and broader resource scarcity and structural problems that plague the water sector. Without strategic funding and systemic reforms, these efforts risk becoming superficial, placing undue pressure on women to perform without the backing they need to succeed in a sector that remains chronically under-resourced. Worse, this focus on individual success can lead to burnout, tokenism, and inability to sustain progress.

Women are left prepared yet powerless, qualified yet overlooked.

As it stands, the water sector not only suffers from a lack of competent women but also a commitment to placing them in positions of power. While celebrating incremental progress, we must also dismantle systemic barriers keeping women trapped in cycles of mentorship without mobility.

Visibility without authority is not empowerment—it is a distraction.

The Illusion of Progress: Mentorship and Sponsorship

Most mentored and sponsored women have become visible but very few are influential. Without financial backing, decision-making power, and structural inclusion, these programs have amounted to symbolic gestures.

They create an illusion of progress while reinforcing the status quo.

Sponsorship, in theory, is meant to be the lever that propels women into leadership roles. However, in an underfunded sector, where opportunities are scarce, sponsorship without financial investments is like offering someone a seat at the table without granting them a voice.

The question is: Are women being sponsored into meaningful leadership positions or relegated to token advisory roles?

Systemic Barriers are Holding Women Back

To understand the depth of this issue, we must examine the systemic barriers that persistently hinder women’s advancement in the water workforce: 1) The broken rung is a more pervasive barrier than the glass ceiling, as women’s participation in technical, leadership, and governance roles remains lower, despite their qualifications. Without systemic intervention, this broken rung will continue to hinder career advancement, reinforcing inequality.  2)While some women break through, many are placed on the glass cliff, where they take on precarious leadership roles with little support, resources, or decision-making authority, setting them up for failure. These roles often serve as mere symbolic gestures toward gender equality, rather than driving real transformation. This issue is compounded by 3) Tokenism; women remain visible but lack true authority, as decision-making power is dominated by men. Additionally, women are often burdened with 4) Emotional labour, taking on extra mentoring and diversity tasks without career advancement or compensation. 5) Chronic underfunding in the water sector, with limited investments, promotion opportunities and innovative projects or leadership roles, further reduces the impact of mentorship, turning it into an empty promise.

Indeed, Equity without investment is performative at best and regressive at worst.

A Call to Action: From Symbolism to Revolution

If we continue to mentor, sponsor and underfund women, we are not breaking barriers—we are reinforcing them.

Around the world, a global movement is actively stepping up. Stepping up to challenge the norms. The Stronger Together Coalition, UNESCO’s Women and Water Programme, Women for Water Partnership and Women in Water Diplomacy Network are advocating for systemic change empowering women in water leadership.

Empowerment is only as meaningful as the systemic change it cultivates and transformation it triggers in the sector as a whole.

The future of the water sector demands a radical shift, not a symbolic gesture.

1) Real change demands a more comprehensive approach—pairing mentorship and sponsorship with industry-wide investment for gender equity in leadership, policies and structural reforms to create equitable opportunities for all.

2) Measure Influence not just how many women hold leadership titles, but how much power they actually wield in decision-making and budget control.

3) Redefine Sponsorship to have women controlling resources, influencing policy, and leading transformation.

4) Stop Tokenism and demand executive positions where they make a real impact.

The post The Paradox of Mentorship in an Under-Sponsored and Under-Funded Water Sector appeared first on IWA Network.

The water and sanitation sector in Portuguese-speaking countries has taken a decisive step towards stronger and more coordinated regulation with the creation of LusoReg, the first network of Lusophone regulators. This initiative, facilitated by LIS-Water and its partners, aims to strengthen cooperation among regulators from Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Portugal, and São Tomé and Príncipe, fostering the exchange of knowledge, strategies, and best practices to ensure sustainable and high-quality services.

For the next two years, ERSAR (Portugal) will lead LusoReg as its first president, working alongside ABAR (Brazil) and AURA (Mozambique) as vice presidents. Their leadership will be instrumental in strengthening regulatory cooperation and enhancing water governance across Lusophone countries.

Underlining the importance of this milestone, Emídio Sousa, Portugal’s Secretary of State for the Environment, highlighted the crucial role of international cooperation in strengthening regulation across Lusophone countries. He emphasised LusoReg’s strategic importance in aligning policies and sharing best practices to ensure effective and sustainable water governance.

LusoReg is not just a platform for collaboration among its members—it also paves the way for greater integration with international networks and associations such as the International Water Association (IWA), ADERASA in Latin America, WAREG in Europe, and ESAWAS in Africa. Additionally, it strengthens ties with multilateral institutions like the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the African Development Bank (AfDB). These partnerships will provide Lusophone regulators with access to global expertise, funding, and innovative tools to tackle common challenges such as universal water access, climate resilience, and sector sustainability.

WaterGov: Data-driven innovation for stronger regulation

Innovation plays a key role in advancing regulatory governance. The WaterGov platform, developed by LIS-Water in partnership with IDB and ADERASA, has been recognised by both the IDB and the World Bank as a crucial tool for strengthening water governance. WaterGov enables regulators to assess their frameworks, identify areas for improvement, and develop concrete action plans tailored to each country. By facilitating peer-to-peer learning and sharing global best practices, this tool helps accelerate regulatory improvements worldwide.

The creation of LusoReg opens new opportunities for collaboration with global institutions committed to water governance. In this context, IWA emerges as a key partner in knowledge-sharing and innovation in the sector. Moving forward, LusoReg and IWA can explore synergies to strengthen capacity-building initiatives, promote regulatory best practices, and enhance the role of data-driven decision-making in water and sanitation services.

With the launch of LusoReg and the momentum behind WaterGov, Portuguese-speaking countries are taking a bold step toward more efficient, innovative, and future-ready regulation. Collaboration, shared knowledge, and digital transformation will be essential to ensure that water and sanitation services remain accessible to all—today and for generations to come.

The post LusoReg: A New Era for Water Regulation in Lusophone Countries appeared first on IWA Network.

As Europe transitions towards a cleaner, more competitive, and circular economy, nature-based solutions (NbS) emerge as a key driver in achieving sustainability and resilience in water management. The EU Green Week 2025 will spotlight the ‘three Cs’ – Clean, Competitive & Circular – showcasing how circularity can be embedded at the core of economic and environmental strategies.  

For Young Water Professionals (YWPs), this transition presents an opportunity and a responsibility. As emerging leaders in the water sector, YWPs must champion policies, innovations, and collaborations that position NbS as a mainstream solution. Through interdisciplinary partnerships and innovative financial models—such as green bonds and circular economy incentives—we can accelerate the adoption of nature-based approaches, ensuring that water remains a driver of sustainable growth, not a limiting factor. 

This article written by Dr Akanksha Agarwal, a member of the IWA YWP India Chapter, explores the role of NbS in shaping a circular water economy, demonstrating how YWPs can be at the forefront of designing and implementing solutions that align with the EU’s Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the broader global sustainability agenda. 

Water is at the heart of our planet’s sustainability, yet conventional management approaches often overlook nature’s capacity to heal, regulate and purify its resources. As YWPs, we must understand and drive a shift towards a circular water economy—one that maximises resource efficiency, minimises waste, and integrates nature-inspired approaches to create Earth-friendly water systems. 

What does a Circular Water Economy mean? 

A circular water economy focuses on closing the loop in water use—maintaining the natural hydrological cycle by treating wastewater as a resource, recycling and reusing this treated resource, and ultimately restoring ecosystems. Traditionally our linear approach of ‘use and dispose’ is contradictory to circularity which emphasises resource management, resilience and overall resource efficiency.  

Nature-inspired Solutions: Harnessing the Power of Nature 

Nature-based or nature-inspired solutions (NbS) leverage natural processes or mimic nature’s science to enhance resource sustainability. For the water sector, NbS not only address water challenges but also delivers co-benefits such as biodiversity enhancement, climate resilience, and carbon sequestration. Some NBS towards a circular water economy include: 

• Plant and microorganism-based Wastewater Treatment: Breakdown or uptake of nutrients from wastewater through constructed wetlands, phytoremediation, phycoremediation, aerobic and anaerobic processes enable chemical-free improvement in water quality. Cities like Copenhagen and Singapore have pioneered NbS and successfully integrated it to complement traditional wastewater treatment plants. 

• Urban Water Management and the Role of Green Infrastructure: Urban flooding and drought are two events that sometimes occur in the same geographies. Poor urban water management plays a vital role in amplifying these calamities. Through permeable pavements and rain gardens, nature allows us to not just recharge the groundwaters but also prevent urban flooding. Melbourne and Rotterdam have implemented green infrastructure and created a climate-resilient water system for their respective cities. 

• Forest and Watershed Restoration: Forests act as a natural water filter trapping sediments and stabilising soil to prevent events of soil erosion. Watershed restoration is a step towards allowing nature to assist our water management strategies. Rehabilitation of forests, reforestation, and wetland conservation are means to ensure a clean and reliable water supply for human establishments. One fine example is New York City which invests in upstream watershed conservation thereby reducing the city’s need for expensive water filtration infrastructure. 

Why Should Young Water Professionals Care about NbS? 

Erratic climate behaviour, flooding, and water scarcity are events that have become quite common for our generation. In the face of these adversities, as future leaders in the water sector, it is mandatory for us YWPs to step up and champion NbS-driven circular water strategies. Key contributions that we can make include advocacy of NbS, contributing towards the research and innovation, collaborating and ultimately implementing projects on the ground to give them a chance. All of this requires interdisciplinary collaboration that blends ecology, engineering, and policy to implement scalable solutions. By fostering partnerships, embracing innovative finance models (such as green bonds or carbon credits), and ultimately advocating for NBS we can accelerate our transition to a more sustainable water future.  

Nature has given us techniques to regulate and manage our resources. We must embrace NbS and not just consider them an alternative, but a necessity to achieve a circular water economy. Education and awareness on the topic exist but the lack of implementation and policies resists the switch to NbS on a wide scale. It is essential to mandate the use of NbS in upcoming water conservation projects to ensure a more resilient and circular water economy. 

The post Embracing Nature-based Solutions for a Circular Water Economy appeared first on IWA Network.

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. 

The post Navigating Water, Gender, and Governance: A Personal Journey appeared first on IWA Network.

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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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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What is the status of women’s and girls’ rights, equality, and empowerment in the global water sector today? The Fourteen Young Water Professionals (YWPs) of the second cohort of the IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship explored this pressing question. Selected with balanced gender diversity, this cohort exemplifies the advancing path to gender equality in the water and sanitation sector, a topic of importance for the YWPs.

The group recognises the daily challenges surrounding this issue: globally, women shoulder the majority of unpaid labour related to water, sanitation, and hygiene in homes and communities all around the world. As a result, many aspects of their lives may be affected, including education. “After the December 2024 earthquake in Vanuatu, we visited the largest affected community whose water system had failed. While searching for the water source with the Chief, a young girl guided us directly to it, using her lived experience”, shares Micheala Chan, from the United Kingdom and currently living in Vanuatu. Meg Cummins, who works in Cambodia, adds that “In remote communities, seasonal flooding means many communities live in floating villages for part of every year. At night time, women risk their lives just to defecate”. Kamran Azizli, from Azerbaijan, adds that “Water is not just a resource—it is the lifeline that sustains communities and unlocks the door to escaping poverty. Without it, opportunities vanish, leaving dreams parched in the relentless heat”. Ramanuj Mitra, from India, notes that “The governments have been working to bring basic sanitation and water infrastructure in the entire country, but it is a long way to go before effective coverage is achieved”. 

“No one should ever have to struggle for such a fundamental necessity. Access to clean water is a basic human right and the difference it can make in people’s lives is immense”, emphasises Irene Mas Martin, from Spain. To foster a more inclusive approach, women must be actively engaged as catalysts for economic growth while driving sustainable solutions to the water crisis. Patience Wema, from Kenya, shares an encouraging example of how providing safe and reliable water access to rural African communities has empowered women, as they regain their time to engage in income-generating activities like small-scale trade. From Canada, Karl Zimmermann agrees that “women’s intimate awareness of a family’s water needs, along with the local values, preferences, and decision-making structures, means that it is critical they are elevated to leadership roles in developing safe water solutions.” Emmanuel Nketiah Ahenkorah, from Ghana, adds another example: “Instead of trekking for hours to distant locations to collect water, women leveraged locally available transport systems to create a central point where people could easily access water”.

The YWPs also highlighted some of the challenges female workers in the professional water and sanitation sector. Hadi Mokarizadeh, from Iran, reflects: “When I was an undergraduate student, I noticed a big difference between the number of male and female students in different engineering fields. After talking to some of the students, I realised their families or society had influenced their choice, thinking certain fields were only for men”. Elia Simonet, from France, adds that “On top of social understandings dictating women’s working engagement, women professionals often face significant ingrained gender-based discrimination, which contribute to ongoing inequalities”.

However, positive changes are emerging: Nathalia da Mata, from Brazil, shares, “When I started working with urban drainage, I was the only female employee of the office. Now, I work with two more female direct coworkers, besides the chief of the Secretariat, who is also a woman”. Radhika Boargaonkar, from India, notes that her country is also home to remarkable women leaders in the sector, who serve as inspirations for aspiring professionals “Empowered women empower water—breaking barriers, shaping futures”. Thomas Philip Da Jose, from the Philippines, emphasises the male responsibility in championing gender equity: “The focus should shift from simply counting women’s representation to embedding inclusive practices that acknowledge biological realities and socio-cultural factors”. Monica Ndagire, from Uganda, adds, “We should include women in decision-making since they have a key contribution to social welfare and experience most challenges first-hand”.

Reflecting on the theme of the 2025 International Women’s Day, the second cohort of the IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellows highlights both the significant progress made and the persistent challenges in achieving gender equality in the water and sanitation sector. While more women are stepping into leadership roles and contributing to decision-making processes, deeply ingrained societal norms, structural barriers, and disparities in access to resources continue to hinder full gender equity. 

These young professionals embody a generation committed to dismantling barriers, fostering sustainable change, and driving a shift toward policies and practices that recognise the critical role of women in water security and sanitation. Their voices amplify the urgency of ensuring that gender equity is not just an aspiration but a fundamental principle guiding global water governance and development efforts. By championing women’s empowerment, promoting equitable access to clean water, and advocating for meaningful participation in leadership and decision-making, they are shaping a future where no one is left behind. With the continued support of IWA and its partners, their collective efforts will contribute to a more just, inclusive, and water-secure world—one where every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive with dignity and purpose.

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