March marks a pivotal moment for the global water community, bringing two internationally significant days into focus. On 8 March, International Women’s Day calls on the world to recognize women’s rights, promote equality, and strengthen women’s leadership across every sector. Just two weeks later, on 22 March, we celebrate World Water Day—this year with a message that speaks directly to the heart of our mission: “Water and Gender – Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.”

Why Gender Matters in the Water Sector

For IAWD and its partners across the Danube region, gender equality is far more than a social ideal—it is a practical and essential driver of resilience and sustainability in the water sector. From engineering and utility operations to governance, planning, and community engagement, diverse perspectives contribute to smarter decisions and more effective outcomes.

Many water utilities and institutions in our region are already taking proactive steps to integrate gender-sensitive approaches into their strategies and everyday work. This year’s global theme provides an important opportunity to celebrate these efforts, amplify successful practices, and inspire further progress toward inclusive and equitable water management.

Event Spotlight: Women in Water – Supporting Inclusive Contributions in the Industry

The workshop  “Women in Water – Supporting Inclusive Contributions in the Industry” will take place on 26 March from 14:30 to 16:00 CET in an online format. It is organized jointly by the IWA Specialist Group “Sustainability in the Water Sector” and IAWD. IAWD is proud to co-host this international workshop, which is dedicated to strengthening and advancing the role of women across all areas of the water sector.

The event is open to all professionals working in the water field, regardless of gender. Participants will receive insights into the “Women in Water Project,” an initiative focused on fostering a more equitable and representative workforce within the sector. The workshop will also provide a dedicated platform for dialogue, allowing attendees to share their experiences, discuss existing barriers, and identify new opportunities for creating more inclusive and supportive professional environments.

In addition, participants will have the opportunity to contribute directly to shaping long-term strategies that promote gender equality within water utilities, municipalities, and public institutions. Further details and the complete agenda can be accessed below on the event page.

Additional Events and Resources to Explore

Throughout March, we encourage members of the IAWD community to take part in global activities that highlight the essential link between gender and water:

• IWRA online webinar "World Water Day 2026: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows – Women Shaping the Present and Future of Water"  on 10 March: This webinar will bring together scientists, practitioners, experts, and young professionals to examine how gender norms, leadership, and power dynamics shape water governance and outcomes worldwide.
• UNU-IAS online seminar on "Water and Gender" on 18 March: An international seminar with a strong thematic fit, offering deeper insights into gender mainstreaming in water and sanitation systems. 
• UN World Water Day on 22 March: Global activities, publications, and campaign materials focusing on this year’s gender topic