Empowering Change: Reflections on the Women on Water Conference

Wow, just wow! The power we all have to drive change was the central theme of the Women on Water event hosted by British Water and WSP. This wasn’t just another well-meaning but ultimately hollow gathering—it was purpose-driven and brimming with actionable insights. I left with a wealth of ideas to implement at Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) and, most importantly, a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration drawn from the amazing people I met.

The conference featured three enlightening panels: 'Thriving After Setbacks,' 'The Importance of Speaking Up,' and 'The Importance of Advocates.' In 'Thriving After Setbacks,' seasoned professionals shared stories of resilience, highlighting that challenges are stepping stones to success. The 'Importance of Speaking Up' panel emphasized the power of voice and visibility, encouraging women to assert their ideas confidently. Lastly, 'The Importance of Advocates' underscored the crucial role of mentors and allies in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Together, these panels provided a roadmap for overcoming obstacles, amplifying voices, and leveraging support networks, empowering attendees to advance in their STEM careers with renewed vigour.

One standout session for me was 'Thriving After Setbacks.' This wasn’t just about professional challenges but also personal ones. As someone recovering from a recent sports injury, I found it particularly resonant. The discussions helped me see setbacks as opportunities for growth, reinforcing the idea that if you don’t succeed at first, you learn and try again. Tanya Dady from Dayworth Consulting echoed this sentiment in her keynote, stressing the importance of embracing every opportunity.

Throughout the event, the meaningful discussions and brave sharing from the panellists were truly inspiring. A key takeaway was understanding the role of an advocate—someone who supports or recommends a cause or individual. This role isn’t limited by gender; we can all be advocates for each other. A striking statistic shared was that 50% of women hesitate to voice their ideas in our industry. This made me reflect on how we can foster a more inclusive environment that values diverse communication styles and supports all individuals.

Attending the conference expanded my comfort zone and introduced me to new friends within NWG. Tanya Dady’s advice to always say “yes” to new opportunities, even those outside our comfort zones, resonated deeply with me. This is a principle I plan to embrace moving forward.

The Women on Water conference was a revelation. In my 25-year career, this was the first time I attended an event focused solely on my wellbeing, mental health, and career progression. It made me realize the importance of acknowledging and celebrating my gender, not just fitting in. I left feeling grateful for the people making it possible to embrace the qualities and values that my gender brings to my professional life.

Overall, the Women on Water conference was a powerful reminder of the collective potential we have to drive positive change. It reinforced the importance of supporting one another and creating an environment where every voice can be heard. I am energized and inspired to continue advocating for a more inclusive and supportive industry.

NWG’s WiSTEM network supported the attendance of 9 women, across a broad range of specialties and career stages, to attend this Women on Water event. It is amazing to have a network which empowers us to challenge and create an environment where everyone can thrive equally, and this sentiment was echoed throughout the event. We have all learnt something new, taken ideas away and expanded our networks, that will make NWG an even better place to work and grow in. Thank you to all of our champions and please don’t hesitate to put yourself forward for opportunities in the future!