Mission
Women Plus Water increases the visibility of women in water and engages people through the annual lecture series, expert list, and mentorship opportunities to learn about the gendered impacts of water research, management, and decision-making. Women Plus Water gives women, young professionals, and allies of all identities opportunities for professional development while empowering a global network of water experts committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in water.
Vision
Women Plus Water is a thriving international community, where relationships connect people across borders, elevate women's voices, and create space for innovative conversations that redefine inclusive excellence in water.
Values
Women Plus Water is an inclusive community that embodies caring about people and the environment, recognizing that water is the foundation of all life that connects us to each other.
Principles
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People & Informed Voices
Women Plus Water is informed by academic research and lived experience; our hosts and guests are credible voices centreing equity in water and inviting everyone into the conversation.
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Leadership & Inclusive Excellence
Women Plus Water embodies leadership guided by inclusive excellence. Our work aligns with recommendations made by GWF Indigenous Advisory Panel, and we are committed to Truth and Reconciliation in water.
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Uphold & Celebrate Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Women Plus Water is a safe space grounded in mutual respect where the intersections of identity are celebrated. Women, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, men, and allies from all backgrounds are welcome.
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Support & Accessibility
Women Plus Water is hosted virtually and free of charge. The lecture series is currently offered in English with closed captioning and French interpretation. We strive to support inclusive experiences.
Story
Women Plus Water began as a lecture series launched by Dr. Corinne Schuster-Wallace, Associate Director of the Global Water Futures (GWF) Research Network, in 2018. In-person and virtual events took place at the University of Saskatchewan, and Global Water Futures' core partners, McMaster University, University of Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier University supported by Global Water Futures (GWF), the GWF Young Professionals Network and the Global Institute for Water Security. In 2020, Dr. Andrea Rowe - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist at the Global Institute for Water Security and Global Water Futures - joined the team to grow the series and incorporate inclusive design principles. Since 2020, Women Plus Water has reached over 2000 registrants in 45 countries and through the last five years over 20 young professionals have participated as hosts and 50 speakers have presented.
As a community, we have catalyzed diverse voices, expertise and lived experiences in water. As a small team, our focus is creating impact. That is why we are launching a Women Plus Water Expert List in 2023 and starting Women Plus Water Mentorship Circles to provide even more ways for people to connect and share their expertise with others. In the future we hope to build new partnerships and host a live conference!
Women Plus Water is guided by advisory panel members Dr. Lalita Bharadwaj, Dr. Leila Eamen, Dr. Saman Ravazi, Dr. Markus Brinkmann, and Dr. Helen Baulch. Stacey Dumanski leads Science Communications and outreach; Dr. Chandra Rajulapati leads mentorship, Jesse Witow provides technical and web support, and Fred Reibin leads graphic design and branding.
The University of Saskatchewan's main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respect to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Water is the lifeblood of people and societies, connecting us to each other. We pay our respects to the Indigenous ancestors of these lands and waters, reaffirming our relationships with each other and our desire to have productive and positive discussions.
