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.
Name: Maria Amakali
Occupation: Director of Water Resources Management
Country: Namibia
Country of Work: Namibia and SADC
What would you say are the main challenges in your work as a woman?
I started working as hydrologist in the Department of Water Affairs in the early nineties. I had studied in the US and was ready to come and work in a newly independent Namibia. My responsibilities included planning and execution of research and investigations regarding sustainable development of water resources; and providing advice on the effective utilization, protection and conservation of such resources. At a time I found a lot of males, in the department. Except for the two women scientist in Hydrology Division, most women were doing mostly secretarial or office administrative work. I remember one day standing outside, waiting for my ride home and this man came to me asking whose secretary I was. In an independent Namibia, I was quite shocked that the old stereotype mentality that women can only be secretaries still exists. Those days there were not many women or black hydrologists, but I was still offended.
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.
My name is Celine Pole Sikulisimwa, a Congolese senior lecturer at the University of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. My field of specialization is water science and technology.
Since December 2015, Global Water Partnership in Central and Eastern Europe develops a project proposal that aims to shift existing water paradigm by an innovative wastewater management in the rural areas.
Innovative wastewater management in rural areas in Central and Eastern Europe
My full names are Mrs. Bogadi Theresa Mathangwane, National Deputy Director responsible for Water Resources planning, development and management in Botswana. I am an International Water Resource Management expert and active in promoting water conservation and water demand management measures and practices thus promoting water use efficiency in the country. I possess broad background in social, economic, environmental and technical aspects of water resources.
GWPSA is delighted to observe IWD 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.
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.