On the occasion of International Women’s Day (8 March), We have interviewed Mrs Hadja KORA ZAKI Mariame, the Chair of the National Association of users of the natural resources of the River Niger Basin in Benin (ANU-Benin) in the department of Atacora in the Northwest of the country.
My name is Nompumelelo Ntshalintshali, Principal Water Development Analyst at the Department of Water Affairs in Lesotho. I am active in coordination and regulation within the water sector and have held various positions such as Chairperson of the National WASH Forum, Monitoring and Evaluation Focal person for the Africa Minister’s Council on Water.
The main challenge I face in my work is the realisation that I work in a male dominated environment. For me, meeting that challenge entails having a positive attitude – and that goes a long way. I have also discovered that sticking to my principles and maintaining a good work ethic helps me prove that I can make it.
My advice to women (and men) as we commemorate this day together is “keep focused, keep going, and keep your integrity!”
Tell us something about yourself?
My name is Manta Devi Nowbuth, from Mauritius and I am the Dean in the Faculty of Ocean Studies at the University of Mauritius.
What would you say are the main challenges in your work as a woman?
As a woman at work, I have often noted that my suggestions are subject to relatively more queries before they are accepted, and also when a responsibility is given to a woman, expectations tend to be relatively very high.
What have you done to overcome these obstacles/challenges?
I would say that women have the added advantage of being more understanding and patient, so these skills help to bring the harmony much needed in a working environment.
Advise to other women in similar situations (in the water world)
My own career in the water world has been highly enriching and I wish all women working in the water sector the same rewarding experience.
Name: Maria Amakali
Occupation: Director of Water Resources Management
Country: Namibia
Country of Work: Namibia and SADC
What would you say are the main challenges in your work as a woman?
I started working as hydrologist in the Department of Water Affairs in the early nineties. I had studied in the US and was ready to come and work in a newly independent Namibia. My responsibilities included planning and execution of research and investigations regarding sustainable development of water resources; and providing advice on the effective utilization, protection and conservation of such resources. At a time I found a lot of males, in the department. Except for the two women scientist in Hydrology Division, most women were doing mostly secretarial or office administrative work. I remember one day standing outside, waiting for my ride home and this man came to me asking whose secretary I was. In an independent Namibia, I was quite shocked that the old stereotype mentality that women can only be secretaries still exists. Those days there were not many women or black hydrologists, but I was still offended.
Tell us something about yourself
My name is Suzana Saranga Loforte, and I am a Water Resources Manager working at Direcção Nacional de Águas (DNA) - The National Water Directorate of Mozambique. I am a Mozambican that has been working in the water sector since 1985 in the field of water resources management, water supply and sanitation. While in the water sector I have been involved in regional initiatives such as preparation and implementation of the Regional Protocol on Shared Watercourses, The Regional Water Policy as well as the participation in several forum regarding establishment of river basin organisations.
My name is Celine Pole Sikulisimwa, a Congolese senior lecturer at the University of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. My field of specialization is water science and technology.
Since December 2015, Global Water Partnership in Central and Eastern Europe develops a project proposal that aims to shift existing water paradigm by an innovative wastewater management in the rural areas.
Innovative wastewater management in rural areas in Central and Eastern Europe
My full names are Mrs. Bogadi Theresa Mathangwane, National Deputy Director responsible for Water Resources planning, development and management in Botswana. I am an International Water Resource Management expert and active in promoting water conservation and water demand management measures and practices thus promoting water use efficiency in the country. I possess broad background in social, economic, environmental and technical aspects of water resources.