Young Women in Water as Role Models

Connection details

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98451995679

Young Women in Water as Role Models

April 25th, 10:00am CET

Introduction:

In an era where global water challenges are becoming increasingly complex, the role of young women is becoming increasingly vital in fostering innovation and promoting sustainable practices within the water sector. Despite the sector's critical importance to global sustainability, it remains underrepresented by women, with fewer than one in five workers being female, and even a smaller fraction in leadership or technical roles.

This gender gap reflects a missed opportunity for innovation and also highlights the systemic barriers that women, especially young professionals, face in the field. However, the tide is turning. Young women are increasingly leading innovative projects, research, and policy-making in water management, conservation and technology. 

”Young Professional Women as Role Models” webinar is designed to shift the current paradigm by spotlighting the groundbreaking work of young women in this vital sector. The webinar will feature a discussion with four esteemed young professional women who are making significant impacts through their initiatives, thereby serving as role models for other women in the field.

This session is designed to highlight the impact of women role models, inspiring young women and fostering discussions about elevating women's roles in water-related fields towards a future marked by greater diversity, inclusivity, and innovation.

Our Speakers

Andrea Caceres, Founder and Executive Director at The AWA Project

 Andrea Caceres, born in Mexico City and raised in Lima, Peru, identifies as Latina and is currently living in Madrid, Spain. She's an IE Foundation Fellow, 2023 Women Empowerment Challenge Winner and a Master's in International Development student. Andrea has participated as a delegate and speaker at forums like the 28th UN Youth Assembly and MENA Climate Week, worked with organizations such as RESOLVE and Kinross, and consulted for UNDP. She founded The AWA Project, fostering collaboration among young leaders for water initiatives, and was recognized by Peru's Congress as a Bicentennial Youth Leader for her advocacy work.

Blerina Ago, Tourism Consultant and Founder of activealbania.com

Blerina Ago, a seasoned professional in the Travel Industry specializing in Sustainability Management, is the Founder of activealbania.com. Her pioneering efforts in promoting Western Balkan destinations have fueled economic growth and job creation. Blerina, a dedicated Nature Conservation and Adventure Travel activist, played a crucial role in the successful "Save Osumi Canyons" movement. She has been honored with the Gold Medal of Merit from the World Rafting Federation for her significant contribution to the development of rafting worldwide.

Her notable achievements include creating the viral international campaign "Be Taken by Albania," featured as a case study in the Cambridge University Press educational curriculum "IGCSE Travel & Tourism Coursebook".

For her commitment she is awarded the title Global Ambassador of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, the Western Balkans Young Woman Entrepreneur of 2021 by the RCC and the SDG Business Pioneers Award Albania 2023.

Meghna Chakkraborty, Founder South Asia Young Women in Water (SAYWiW)

Meghna Chakraborty, a passionate water professional, champions sustainable water management and youth involvement in water discussions. She holds nearly a decade of experience in the WASH sector. Along with her experience that spans from grassroots work to consulting with governments in India and Nigeria, she has also spoken at prestigious global forums like World Water Week 2023 and serves as a Young Water Sustainability Leader at the World Water Forum 2024. Meghna founded South Asia Young Women in Water (SAYWiW) to empower young women water professionals in South Asia, believing in their pivotal role in fostering innovation and sustainable economic growth amidst climate challenges. Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of gender and youth in ensuring global water sustainability. Link to SAYWiW: https://saywiw.com/