The water industry has undergone a significant transformation, with an increase in the proportion of women holding senior and executive positions in local and global organizations.
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I would like to take this opportunity to promote greater gender equality and empowerment, as well as to reflect on several issues that affect women in the water sector, including access to water, decision-making and rights, as well as equipment and engineering gears that are designed for male users. The huge gender gap in the water sector is a result of the historically low representation of women in STEM fields.
The following factors should be considered, and the shift towards a more balanced sector where everyone can thrive will quicken:- Increase the number of female applicants qualified to be put in decision-making positions by introducing more women to education and training
- Have women representatives in the water sector be role models and assist other women on their career paths.
- Women should have the self-assurance to speak up in public forums of decision-making and also account for their partial involvement in the water sector.
- The need for more women to fill the various water profession openings should be extensively covered by the media and those working in the water industry. The workplace should be restructured to account for the duties of women.