This International Women’s Day 2025, we celebrate the power of collective action in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable water future. Women’s contributions in water innovation, management, and policy are essential, yet they remain underrepresented in decision-making roles. So, to accelerate progress, we must move from conversation to action.
At BOOST-IN, we asked our partners one critical question:
“If you could take or suggest just ONE action to accelerate progress toward a more inclusive and sustainable water future, what would it be?”
Their responses were clear:
‘’Offer a technical training for women on water management, water reuse, reduction of water footprint and climate adaptation to enhance their role in decision-making.’’ by Marie Launay, Ecofilae.
‘Women’s talent is often underestimated. Recognizing and harnessing their skills is not just fair—it’s essential. Their contributions drive a more sustainable and resilient water future. By empowering women in water management, we unlock invaluable expertise and innovation, accelerating progress toward a more inclusive and resource-efficient world.’’ by Rafael Casielles, BIOAZUL.
’Promote gender-responsive workplans in European project activities—whether in technical development, stakeholder engagement, or capacity building—by integrating a gender perspective. This includes setting specific targets for female participation, highlighting success stories of women in the sector, and fostering mentorship programs to support women in leadership roles.” by Angela Magno, BIOAZUL.
‘’I would prioritize educating and empowering women in water management, treatment, reuse and conservation through targeted programmes, e.g. community-based. This would ensure diverse perspectives, equipping them with skills, knowledge, and leadership roles needed to drive local and global sustainable water practices, fostering equity and innovation.’’ by Elena Pacetti, University of Bologna.
“To accelerate change, we must invest in women’s education and leadership in water management. An inclusive water future depends on diverse perspectives and equal opportunities.” By Elena Koumaki, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
“An action to cultivate a more inclusive and sustainable water future is creating incentives for stakeholders of all backgrounds in the sector to gain traction in the water innovation space. This could be achieved by creating frameworks that increase their visibility, reduce obstacles towards market entry, and foster collaborative partnerships.” Noah Stommel, ISLE Utilities
Change happens when we take action – today, not tomorrow. Let’s commit to driving an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable water future.
