Empowering the next generation to close the gender gap in the water sector

During this session, this year’s Stockholm Junior Water Prize finalists participated and had the opportunity to learn from a diverse panel of water experts about their unique journeys and challenges, reflecting on the mentorship and sponsorship they’ve received, and offering advice to future generations on how to close the gender gap.

The panel consisted of Lara Fowler (Professor of Teaching, interim Chief Sustainability Officer & interim Director of the Sustainability Institute at Penn State University, USA), Roxana Marin (Vice President, Xylem Europe Central & Nordics Region), Timos Karpouzoglou ( Researcher, Division of History of Science, Technology & Environment at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden),

Xanani Baloyi (Programme Officer at the Africa Regional Center & Gender Equality Focal Point, Stockholm International Water Institute, South Africa) and was moderated by Kanika Thakar (Advisor Environment & Green Response, Swedish Red Cross, Sweden).  

The panel reflected that while much progress has been made to close the gender gap in water organisations in recent years. There is still work to be done and much relies on developing greater awareness about gender inequalities and supporting more female young talents that seek to develop a career in the water sector.

After the panel, the SJWP finalists had the opportunity to engage in break-out group discussions with the water experts on themes such as building self-confidence, developing networks, the role of male allies, and the value of mentorship and sponsorship.

The gathering has been a great opportunity for the SJWP finalists to become inspired about the importance of closing the gender gap and to share their stories with water experts.

Some of the important advice that was passed on to the SJWP finalists is to find good role models and mentors that can act as their champions; to develop networks that will allow them to push their ideas to the next phase.

But perhaps most important, to be brave, self-confident and believe in their talent to be the next leading water professionals!