Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is a priority for the Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS) and core to our values and foundational principles. GIWS adopted the GWF EDI Strategy in 2022 and a Code of Conduct in 2023. Collectively, these provide a roadmap to actively challenging systemic barriers to inclusion in our policies, practices, and research and to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. The well-being of people is at the core of our vision and mission.

• GWF EDI Strategy
• Code of Conduct
• Vision, Mission, Values

Water research is at the core of environmental, social, and economic well-being globally. GIWS recognizes that systemic barriers to EDI exist in water-related research and require tangible action to make lasting change. Working together provides an opportunity to accelerate knowledge sharing and implement EDI practices specific to inclusive water research methodologies, community engagement, data collection, and mitigating the differential impact of empirical and theoretical research findings on marginalized people and communities.

Our commitment to EDI is grounded in an intersectional approach that considers the different ways that power structures influence opportunities and experiences when people hold multiple intersecting identities (e.g., age, race, class, gender identity, and more). Together we can connect the water community @USask, external partners, and research users around a shared vision for EDI in water research. To learn more please access: The case for equity, diversity, and inclusion in a large research network.

GIWS recognizes the significance of Traditional Knowledge and respecting Indigenous community participation through co-creation and co-development of research projects. We are committed to supporting Indigenous-led decolonization of research and the weaving of Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge systems.

All of us have an obligation to renew relationships with Indigenous peoples and to recognize their rights. As researchers, we must uphold respect, reciprocity, and partnership in our research and broader engagement with Indigenous communities, governments, and organizations.

Available resources include:

• Indigenous community water research strategy
• Global Water Futures Mistawasis Nêhiyawak Water Gathering Statement

As members of the University of Saskatchewan community, GIWS faculty, students, and staff are committed to upholding the GIWS Code of Conduct as well as the principles and actions outlined in the University of Saskatchewan's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Framework for Action, and Sexual Assault Prevention Policy. We recognize that EDI work is continuously evolving; all new and current GIWS members must be familiar with the University of Saskatchewan's policies and update their knowledge on an ongoing basis.

The University of Saskatchewan offers many resources for students, faculty, and staff that are available to members of the GIWS community:

• The Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre is an intercultural gathering place on the USask Campus. The centre offers personal, social, cultural and academic support to Métis, First Nations and Inuit students through various programs, services and special events throughout the year.
• Access and Equity Services helps support people requiring accommodations based on disability, religion, family status, and gender identity.
• EDI for Faculty and Staff includes links to resources that support EDI in the workplace.
• The University of Saskatchewan Student Centre USSU Pride Centre is a welcoming, vivacious, and celebratory campus community that provides a friendly environment with a diverse group of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
• If you need help: Please reach out. There are resources available to support you at the University of Saskatchewan. Access Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Services and Wellness Resources by phone or email. Seek Help and Support After Experiencing Sexual Violence, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Operationalising EDI

The following materials have been developed through Global Water Futures and are available to be tailored to your context and activities in support of more equitable, diverse, and inclusive research, events, and practice.

• EDI in field research
• Speaking UP: How Bystanders Can Change the Conversation about Social Bias
• Picture A Scientist
• UNH PowerPlay
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Water Research
• Poster: Implementing EDI Across A Large Formal Research Network
• Women Plus Water

EDI Grant Writing

Considering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every stage of the grant process is essential to research excellence and innovation. EDI begins with assembling a diverse research team, removing barriers to hiring talented HQP from all backgrounds, inclusive research design and methodology, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge mobilization. These resources are a starting point to craft a strong EDI research statement:

• University of Saskatchewan’s Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan 
• NSERC Guide For Applicants: Considering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Your Application
• SSHRC Best Practices in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Research
• CIHR Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources

Education and Training

Whether you are a student new to EDI concepts or an expert in the field, continuous learning is part of an ongoing commitment to water research leadership. Take part in EDI training opportunities to grow your knowledge:

• Government of Canada Certificate in Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)
• Government of Canada Course on Research Ethics (CORE) for research involving humans
• The University of Saskatchewan's Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Training