GWPSA is delighted to observe International Women's Day this year under the theme “Pledge for Parity” by highlighting the achievements of some of the women in the network that have put gender parity on their agendas. [Mrs. Bogadi Theresa Mathangwane (Botswana); Prof. Celine Sikulisimwa (Democratic Republic of Congo); Ms. Suzana Saranga Loforte (Mozambique); Ms Maria Amakali (Namibia); Dr. Manta Devi Nowbuth (Mauritius);
Ms Nompumelelo Ntshalintshali (Swaziland).
Our interviewed speakers are exceptional women who have made their careers in water, from the government and academia arenas, and in many regards influenced policy. We hope that they will inspire you to reflect on the role that women working in the water sector can play. These women demonstrate their “Pledge for Parity” by taking concrete action as champions to help accelerate gender parity.
Read what they say about acknowledging their responsibility to do what they can to drive progress towards parity. Yet let us also be mindful that progress has slowed down in many places across the world, so urgent action in the water sector is needed to accelerate gender parity.
Five old, hand crafted rainwater storage cisterns located in the villages of Pyrgos, Mesa Gonia and Exo Gonia, were in the focus of a research project recently concluded in Santorini. The project aimed at advancing rainwater harvesting in the island of Santorini, undertaken by the University of Cornell and Global Water Partnership – Mediterranean, with the support of the Municipality and the Water Supply and Sewage Authority of Thera (Santorini).
Drinking water supply of the Rabat-Casablanca coastal area has depended on water transfers from groundwater. Estimates showed that transfers would have to be extended to include surface water, if water requirements were to be met, requiring water transfer together with investments in production, distribution and sanitation. A policy initiative was undertaken to address the issue. The key lesson is that integration of water demand management in water policies is effective for strengthening water security.
Tell us something about yourself?
My name is Manta Devi Nowbuth, from Mauritius and I am the Dean in the Faculty of Ocean Studies at the University of Mauritius.
What would you say are the main challenges in your work as a woman?
As a woman at work, I have often noted that my suggestions are subject to relatively more queries before they are accepted, and also when a responsibility is given to a woman, expectations tend to be relatively very high.
What have you done to overcome these obstacles/challenges?
I would say that women have the added advantage of being more understanding and patient, so these skills help to bring the harmony much needed in a working environment.
Advise to other women in similar situations (in the water world)
My own career in the water world has been highly enriching and I wish all women working in the water sector the same rewarding experience.
« Alliance Fas’Eau » is the name of the new alliance officially launched on 17 May 2016 in Ouagadougou by a group of fourteen (14) Civil Society organisation under the leadership of IRC Burkina.
The WACDEP Coordination unit organised the 8th meeting of its Technical Working Group (TWG) on 11th February, 2016 at the conference room of the Water Resources Commission (WRC).
You've got a great business idea in sanitation or water management? Do not wait any longer: take your future into your own hands and become a part of the cewas community!
Tell us something about yourself
My name is Suzana Saranga Loforte, and I am a Water Resources Manager working at Direcção Nacional de Águas (DNA) - The National Water Directorate of Mozambique. I am a Mozambican that has been working in the water sector since 1985 in the field of water resources management, water supply and sanitation. While in the water sector I have been involved in regional initiatives such as preparation and implementation of the Regional Protocol on Shared Watercourses, The Regional Water Policy as well as the participation in several forum regarding establishment of river basin organisations.