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She Empowers!
Collaboratively creating an inclusive water and sanitation sector.

About Us

The Women in Water & Sanitation Network (WWSN) is dedicated to addressing gender imbalances in the traditionally male-dominated water and sanitation sector. Through advocacy, mentorship, and networking, WWSN drives positive change and fosters gender equality.

Key Areas of Focus

Promoting Gender Balance for Success
Gender-balanced workplaces enhance creativity, innovation, and overall success. By embracing gender diversity, organizations can leverage diverse perspectives—crucial for tackling complex challenges in water and sanitation.

Expanding Networking Opportunities
Professional networking often occurs within the boundaries of organizations, which can limit opportunities for women to connect with mentors and peers. WWSN provides a platform for women to build meaningful connections, share experiences, and support each other.

Mentorship for Empowerment
Mentorship programs are a powerful tool for closing the gender gap in leadership roles.

  • Skill Development: Mentors help mentees acquire essential skills, navigate challenges, and advance their careers.
  • Networking: Mentors and peers expand professional networks, providing access to opportunities beyond the workplace. Female networking strengthens the community—#SheEmpowers!
  • Confidence Building: Mentors offer encouragement to overcome self-doubt and thrive in male-dominated fields.
  • Increasing Visibility: Mentorship highlights women’s contributions and potential for leadership.
  • Driving Diversity: Women in leadership ensure organizations better reflect diverse communities, leading to more inclusive decision-making.

Gender equality and mentorship are critical to fostering diversity and closing the gender gap in the water and sanitation sector. WWSN plays a vital role in empowering female professionals to realize their potential, paving the way for a more equitable and successful industry.
 

LATEST EVENT

Join us on for our next WWSN Meet-up —a fun and informal opportunity to connect with others in our global family.


📅 20 November 2025
🕑 14:00 CET  
💻 Format: Online
🙂 WWSN members + friends (women only)

✏️ Register here

 

Inspired by the 2025 Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Congress held in Bonn this October, we’re hosting this special virtual Meet-up. It’s a moment to reconnect with fellow participants, exchange key takeaways, and keep the energy of the Congress and the Stronger Together! Coalition alive.

What to Expect

We’re thrilled to have two inspiring women opening the session:
• Kathryn Pharr – CWIW / Stronger Together! Coalition
• Sareen Malik – Sanitation and Water for All (SWA)

They’ll share insights on networking, personal resilience, and navigating professional spaces with purpose.

Afterward, we’ll move into small group conversations (2–3 people) for open and personal exchanges:

  • 🌱 Share your top insights from the Congress
  • 💡 Reflect on how WOPs connect to your own work
  • 💬 Explore moments of personal growth and inspiration

Who Can Join

This Meet-up is open to all WWSN members and friends – women only.
You don’t need to have attended the Congress — if you did (in person or online), bring your reflections; if not, come to listen, learn, and connect.

 
We the Women of WWSN

We the Women of WWSN

JOIN US

Would you like to shape the agenda for women's empowerment in the water and sanitation sector—nationally, regionally, and globally? Do you want to help steer the future of our network?

Are you eager to connect with women worldwide and make a meaningful impact on SDGs 5, 6, 8, 17, and beyond?

Join the Women in Water & Sanitation Network (WWSN) as a member—and, if you’re interested, take an active role in one of our working groups!

Join us

 
Join Us!
Speaking up for women working in the WASH sector with our WWSN working groups

What do we wo and why? Read more ...
  • EventsDevelop and design events for our membership engagement. Guide WWSN´ s strategy on outreach events, WWSN at international conferences, fora and events.
  • Communications & Advocacy: Storytelling, messaging, corporate and external communications, develop a startegic communications plan and advocacy strategy, digital communication (social media, website...).
  • MembershipDesign and implement the strategy of enrolling and engaging members.
  • MentorshipSetting up our mentor-mentee-ship programme.
  • FundraisingRaising the funds we need to do this great work. 
  • WWSN strategic group: inspire the WWSN strategy which includes development of new activities, outreach, and new working groups and strategic position of the network.

SIGN UP

CONTACT US

Find us on LinkedIN!