Mentoring – Rural Water Supply Network

Guiding the future of STEM: empowering African women through mentorship

This blog is written by Mercy Hinga, a Water and Sanitation Engineer.

Photo: Attending the International Water Association Sanitation Conference and Expo. Photo Credit: Merch Hinga, 2023

In the dynamic realm of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), mentorship stands as a powerful catalyst in propelling the aspirations of Kenyan women in the water sector towards attaining Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) – safe water and sanitation for all. Across the continent, where opportunities in the sector remain uneven, mentoring emerges as a beacon of hope, connecting emerging talents with seasoned professionals towards increasing skilled and diverse talent in the water sector.

A significant challenge faced by African women in STEM within the water and sanitation sector is the scarcity of role models and avenues for skill development. Imagine being a young engineer without a senior female mentor to turn to for guidance? This absence profoundly impacts motivation and career aspirations. This encounter motivated me to coordinate numerous meetings connecting a senior female engineer with my fellow graduate female colleagues, offering a platform for connection, guidance, and access to resources that would otherwise remain out of reach.

The impact of mentorship extends beyond personal growth; it shapes the future of STEM in Africa and communities at large. Drawing from personal experience in the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN) mentorship program, my trajectory was transformed. This mentorship not only encouraged further education but also led to the prestigious Chevening Scholarship, shaping my career advancement. Furthermore, participating in the mentorship project Mentoring future women graduates in STEM in Africa implemented by the University of Plymouth and funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) has played a crucial role in shaping my career aspirations in leadership and management. This has been achieved through engaging sessions with my mentor and fellow participants in the program.

While there has been tremendous improvement in the inclusion of women in water utilities, consulting firms, research institutions, and NGOs, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the glass ceiling has not yet been shattered. For instance, less than one in five water workers are women, according to new research by the World Bank’s Water Global Practice. Women are also underrepresented in technical and managerial positions where, in sampled utilities, on average only 23 percent of licensed engineers are women. This is contributing to an ongoing deficiency in the representation of women in both the expansion and leadership aspects of the field. More women need to secure seats at the table where decisions are made to ensure that diverse perspectives shape the future of the water and sanitation sector.

Mentorship plays a pivotal role in breaking barriers, extending its reach from low cadres to mid-level and management positions. To truly shatter the glass ceiling, mentorship programs should not only focus on professional development but also advocate for a conducive work-life balance. It is essential to empower women to enjoy what they do in the sector, fostering an environment where their contributions are not only recognized but also celebrated.

In my opinion, mentorship initiatives should extend beyond traditional hierarchies, creating networks where women can learn from each other at all levels. Establishing women’s networks within the sector provides a platform for sharing experiences, insights, and strategies to navigate challenges. These networks become invaluable sources of support, fostering a sense of community and mutual empowerment.

In conclusion, let us recognize mentorship as a powerful catalyst propelling African women’s engagement and success in the water and sanitation sector. Just as the proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” signifies collective support in nurturing future generations, supporting African women in the water and sanitation sector demands a collective effort. I believe that it is crucial for existing systems to champion and support the talents of women in STEM, fostering an environment where their contributions are not just acknowledged but celebrated, driving progress and innovation in these critical fields.

Mercy Hinga is a Water and Sanitation Engineer specializing in WASH Projects business models and financing. She is also a mentee with the Mentoring future women graduates in STEM in Africa project by the University of Plymouth and funded by Royal Engineering Academy UK.

Inspire inclusion through mentorship: a collaboration between RWSN and Agenda for Change

Image: An inspiring group of women water and sanitation professionals captured during World Water Week 2023 (L to R): Jane Nabunnya, Bethlehem Mengistu, Helen Pankhurst, Kate Harawa, Alec Shannon, Irene Gai, and Tara Bartnik.

The water and sanitation sectors have historically been male-dominated due to embedded gender and social norms, thereby restricting women’s study and employment in these fields. The lack of women role models has further contributed to the prevalence of men in technical and decision-making roles. While progress has been made in recent years, achieving gender parity in these sectors remains a challenge.

Gender disparities are especially pronounced in leadership roles within water-related career opportunities, such as utilities, ministries, and senior roles in non-governmental institutions. A World Bank study from 2019 conveyed that only 18% of their workers from 64 water and sanitation service providers worldwide were women, and only 23% of engineers and managers in a utility were female. These disparities start at the university level, which is why encouraging more girls to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics related topics is crucial for untapped talent for the water and WASH sectors.

This is also where mentorship emerges as an effective strategy to help close this gender gap, since it enables professional development, equipping women with the skills required to navigate systemic barriers and collectively level the playing field. As a global network, RWSN has supported an annual mentoring scheme for young water professionals since 2019. This year, we are teaming up with Agenda for Change to offer both a general mentoring track and one specifically for women water and sanitation professionals, encompassing mentors and mentees at any career stage.

Mentorship benefits both mentors and mentees, fostering a win-win situation. The mentor’s role includes active listening skills, offering empathetic understanding to your mentee, and providing clarity on their personal and professional objectives. This dedicated focus on another’s journey fosters personal and professional growth, as seen in the example questions mentees bring (below), ranging from career paths to organizational decisions:

Does the student finishing her PhD really want a career in international development or will she achieve much more in her own country?
Should the mid-career consultant take over the retiring boss’s company or step away from water consulting completely?
How should an NGO manager rebuild and refocus the organisation after COVID?

Sponsorship complements mentorship. While mentorship enhances skills, provides guidance, and offers coaching, sponsorship goes further. The mentor becomes the mentee’s advocate, facilitating connections, and acts as an amplifier. This external facing aspect is equally vital and boosts the mentees access to opportunities.

On Women’s Day (and everyday), it is important that senior women not hinder the progress of those following in their career footsteps. Equally, for men to be subtle champions for women, fostering respect and an openness to learn about invisible barriers they may face. Ultimately, collaborative efforts between genders will continue to ensure continuous flow of talent that benefits us all.

Happy International Women’s Day!

We are thrilled to announce our joint RWSN and Agenda for Change mentorship program in 2024! Applications will open on 14 March 2024.

This year’s programme features three tracks:

Women in WASH (for women only – with traditional and near-peer mentoring tracks)
Career Progression (for young professionals of both genders)
Solar pumping and groundwater courses alumni (by invitation)

Find more details on the eligibility criteria and on how to apply here: RWSN Mentoring programme – Rural Water Supply Network and here: Agenda for Change Women in WASH mentorship program.

Mentoring as a pathway toward increasing African women in STEM

This blog is written by Njeri Ngugi, a female Graduate Engineer who finalising her Master’s degree in Environmental and Biosystems Engineering.

Feature image: Njeri Performing routine maintenance on feed chopper, Kenya, 2023. Credit: Njeri Ngugi

“Achieve Gender Equality and empower women and girls” is the stated goal of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5). The UN and Constitution of Kenya, 2010 acknowledges gender equality as a fundamental right and cornerstone of a sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous global community. Gender equality pertains to equal access to health care, legislative representation, economic processes, education and decent work.

I define mentoring as when someone (a mentor), shares their knowledge, skills, and experience with another person (a mentee), to help them to progress. It is a relationship between two people with the goal of professional and personal development.

I believe we all should wear both caps. Seek guidance from those with more knowledge and/or experience whilst guiding others.

The underrepresentation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), particularly in Africa and even in my country Kenya, is a challenge that demands innovative solutions. We continue to face barriers in pursuing STEM careers, ranging from cultural stereotypes to limited access to educational resources amongst others. Mentors serve as living examples that debunk myths and demonstrate that success knows no gender.

Statistics Confirm Power of Mentorship for African Women Engineers

According to a 2021 UNESCO report on Unlocking the Potential of Girls in STEM in Kenya, women make up 35% of students in STEM in higher education worldwide.

I am a Kenyan graduate engineer under the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) – the Kenyan statutory body that registers and accredits engineering programs offered by universities. As of January 2024, out of the 21,769 registered graduate engineers in Kenya, only 3,010 are women, representing a paltry 13.8 percent.

“If you cannot see where you are going, ask someone who has been there before.”
J Loren Norris

Over the years, I have sought mentors at various stages of my life and career. I have not only gained knowledge and skills but also obtained invaluable tips about challenges faced and those expected in pursuing my education and career.

There are initiatives across Africa actively mentoring women in STEM. These initiatives are actively working towards bridging the gender gap in STEM fields by providing mentorship, training, networking, and support systems that empower African women to excel and thrive in STEM. They include African Women in Science and Engineering (AWSE), Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Africa, TechWomen Africa, African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) and Next Einstein Forum (NEF) Fellows Program. I would like to highlight two more that have transformed my career.

The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has a mentorship platform under the Women Engineers Chapter. By linking mentees with established professionals, the mentorship program provides access to a broader range of opportunities, including internships and collaborative projects. Additionally, mentoring enhances personal and professional networks, making job hunting easier when the time comes. Engaging with women engineers has played a pivotal role in boosting my confidence and challenging stereotypes that discourage women from entering and building engineering careers.

I am currently a mentee under Mentoring future women graduates in STEM in Africa implemented by the University of Plymouth and funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE). My mentor Euphresia Luseka has guided me in career mapping and held me accountable to achieving my goals. She encouraged me to envision myself in leadership roles within STEM. As mentees progress in their careers, they often become mentors themselves, creating a ripple effect that contributes to a sustainable increase in the number of women pursuing and excelling in STEM fields.

African women in STEM should proactively utilize such programs that aim to connect them with experienced mentors, offering support, guidance, and networking opportunities to advance their careers in STEM.

Finding Your Mentor and Grow Towards Your Goals

A mentee must identify what you hope to achieve through mentorship. Clarify your career aspirations, areas for improvement, or specific skills you want to develop. Leverage professional networks, both online and offline, to connect with individuals who align with your goals. LinkedIn and industry associations have been particularly helpful to me. Subsequently, identify potential mentors, initiate contact through a polite and concise message. Express your admiration for their work and articulate why you seek their mentorship.

The mentorship relationship needs to be built and nurtured. Where possible, invest time in building a relationship before formally asking for mentorship. Attend their activities, engage in discussions, or seek advice on specific topics to establish rapport. Define the structure, frequency of meetings, and specific areas you hope to focus on during the mentorship. Open communication is key to a successful mentorship.

Mindfulness in any relationship enhances gratitude and satisfaction, and mentorship is no exception. Explicitly recognizing the four pillars of mentorship (trust, respect, expectation, communication) strengthens the relationship and makes it more effective.

Paying it Forward keeps the Future of Mentorship Bright

“In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.”
Phil Collins

For women in STEM fields, loneliness can be a major disincentive. Through the connection of women with similar experiences, mentoring fosters a sense of community. This network of support not only advances their career path but also makes the STEM field more diverse and inclusive.

In the quest to increase the number of African women in STEM fields, mentoring serves as a ray of hope. Mentorship programs have the capacity to unleash the full range of creativity and talent present on the continent by establishing a culture of support, encouragement, and direction.

As Our World in Data reveals, it is worth noting that while economic gender disparities are still prevalent and significant, they are now less than they were a few decades ago. As we celebrate the successes of women who have broken barriers in STEM, let us also commit to paying it forward, creating a future where the brilliance of African women in STEM shines as a beacon of progress and inspiration.

About the author:

Njeri Ngugi is a female Graduate Engineer finalising a Master’s degree in Environmental and Biosystems Engineering (Irrigation and Water Resources Engineering) and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. She is registered with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) as an EIA/EA Associate Expert with a passion for Integrated Water Resources Management, Multiple uses of water and the water-food-energy nexus. She is also a mentee with the Engineers Board of Kenya and Mentoring future women graduates in STEM in Africa project by the University of Plymouth and funded by Royal Engineering Academy UK.

My experience with the RWSN Mentoring Programme

This is a guest blog by RWSN mentee Margret Mwanza and RWSN mentor Esther Shaylor.

My name is Margret Mwanza, a Zambian who recently completed her Master of Science in Advanced Water Management from Cranfield University in the United Kingdom. As a young professional in the international water and environment sector, I became a member of the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN) at the start of my MSc program and eventually, I came across the RWSN Mentorship Programme, a journey I embarked on in May 2023. At that point, I was eager to grow in the water sector and expand my professional network. I was interested in the prospect of being paired with a mentor who could guide me in job hunting, networking, career progression, and project management.

I sought to be paired with Esther Shaylor, an Innovation Manager for the UNICEF Sustainable WASH Innovation Hub in Denmark. She has always been a distinguished water and sanitation engineer and a published researcher. Her record in designing and implementing innovative solutions to WASH challenges in resource-poor environments and her systems thinking and people skills made her an ideal mentor for my aspirations.

Our mentorship journey began with a focus on networking. Esther encouraged me to proactively seek opportunities to connect with industry leaders and professionals by utilising platforms such as LinkedIn, participate in events under RWSN, my University, and membership bodies like CIWEM, and IWA, and be on the lookout for events in the industry that would provide this opportunity. The interactions I got from these recommendations not only broadened my professional network but also opened doors to new and exciting opportunities within the sector.

The quest for a fulfilling career in the water sector can be daunting for early-career professionals. My mentor played a crucial role in guiding me through my research thesis by suggesting valuable blogs, such as Ian Ross’s insights on the economics of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Additionally, she assisted me in identifying work and learning opportunities through platforms like Josh Water Jobs and making effective use of LinkedIn connections. To strengthen my professional profile, she suggested I actively participate in CV and cover letter reviews by tapping into the resources offered by the university careers office and seeking input from HR professionals in my previous workplaces. This was coupled with enhancing my branding on various social media platforms, applying the STAR method to articulate my skills and experiences effectively and diligently following up on unsuccessful applications and interviews. Her insights were influential in helping me navigate the competitive job market with confidence.

My mentor was key in helping me define my career goals and develop a strategic plan for professional advancement and career progression. Through honest discussions, we defined areas for personal and professional development and explored potential career paths within both the UK and international water sector. Her guidance enabled me to envision my career path and set achievable goals for achieving professional objectives. Having previously worked on projects in the international WASH sector, my mentor provided some useful tips in project planning, stakeholder engagement, resource allocation, and monitoring and evaluation. These insights equipped me with practical tools and techniques applicable to future projects in the WASH sector. She also advised me to seek training and learning opportunities that would intensify this skill.

What stood out about Esther was her genuine interest in understanding my life beyond the professional and academic boundaries. She always encouraged me to maintain a social life, make friends, explore the UK, embrace different cultures, find my niche, and take each day as it came. This integrated approach contributed to a more balanced and fulfilling career journey.

As I embark on the next chapter of my career, I carry with me the priceless guidance my mentor rendered to me through the RWSN Mentorship Programme. I am confident that these experiences will serve as a compass, guiding me toward a fulfilling and impactful career in the water sector. The program, timed perfectly with my academic journey, provided the guidance needed to complete my thesis research, complete my MSc program, and secure a job in the industry. The RWSN Mentorship Programme stands as evidence of the transformative power of mentorship in personal and professional development. This has been a journey of growth, learning, and empowerment.

To join RWSN and be informed about the next round of the mentoring programme, please sign up here.

My experience with the RWSN Mentoring Programme

This is a guest blog by RWSN mentee Arra Clarize Jose and RWSN mentor Aline Saraiva Okello, Ph.D.

Overview

I discovered RWSN Mentoring Program as I was browsing career enhancement opportunities online. As a professional with humble experience in the water sector and in the early stage of my career, I always wanted to find a mentor who can help me navigate my profession and share experiences. It was quite difficult at the start of the mentoring program as some of the mentors were already committed to other mentees. The mentee pool is relatively huge but luckily, I connected with Aline, a fellow water professional in the program. The mentoring program unfolded over a six-month duration, focusing on cultivating expertise in water management and engineering, social and management skills, career path guidance, and network building. The agreed-upon mentoring activities were executed within a structured framework that catered to monthly meetings and specific objectives aimed at achieving learning goals.

Learning Goals

We identified the following learning objectives:

Seeking counsel on career paths:
- Humanitarian/fieldwork for WASH
- Policy and governance concerning climate change and water
- Pursuing academia (Master’s Degree)
Building a robust professional network within these domains.
Balancing career and life as a young expert

Mentoring Experience

Aline was the perfect mentor for me as she can relate to my experience. In this career stage, professionals like us are usually thinking about different paths we want to pursue, and with multiple milestones we plan to achieve, we end up being overwhelmed. In reality, such urge and energy to achieve goals may be exhausting and even daunting at times. We shared similar experiences, which made her guidance more relatable and valuable.

Navigating this stage of our careers often feels like juggling multiple possibilities, each with its own set of challenges. Aline’s insights helped me make sense of this complexity. She understood the struggle of balancing aspirations with the practicalities of achieving them.

The mentoring journey with Aline wasn’t just about setting targets and reaching them; it was about finding a balance. She emphasized the importance of pacing oneself, taking one step at a time, and ensuring that the pursuit of goals doesn’t overshadow personal well-being. At the same time, proper planning and diversion of priorities should also be taken into consideration especially when some things are not progressing according to plans and expectations.

Aline’s support and advice highlighted the significance of taking breaks, reassessing priorities, and acknowledging that it’s alright to adjust our plans as we go along. Her wisdom provided a much-needed perspective shift, reminding me that success isn’t solely measured by reaching milestones but also by finding fulfillment and balance in the journey.

The mentoring journey under Aline’s guidance wasn’t merely about professional growth; it was a holistic approach, acknowledging that our careers are only one aspect of our lives. It encouraged a reflection on self-care, personal values, and the importance of staying connected to what truly matters amid the pursuit of career goals.

Outcomes and Progress

The outcomes of the mentoring program are evident, some are listed below:

During the program, I was actively applying for some jobs and scholarships that could open opportunities for me. Noteworthy highlights included the mentor’s insights into CV enhancement and LinkedIn profile refinement, which helped me land some offers from organizations I applied.
I was able to access opportunities/forums such as World Water Week and MOOC courses that helped me increase my knowledge in the water sector.
Learning about taking breaks, reassessing priorities, and being flexible in plans. This shift in perspective highlighted that success isn’t just about milestones but also about finding fulfillment in the journey.

My mentor expressed satisfaction and enthusiasm for our collaborative achievement of all our goals.

In summary, the RWSN mentoring program proved to be highly engaging, educational, interactive, and well-coordinated. Our gratitude extends to the organizers and sponsors for providing this valuable platform.

About the mentee and mentor

Arra Clarize Jose is a chartered civil engineer based in the Philippines, a former Water and Habitat Engineer of International Committee of the Red Cross and currently part of the UK-Med WASH Engineer Register Team. Her professional interests are centered on water engineering and her commitment to WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives reflects her dedication to improving livelihoods and fostering resilient communities, showcasing her as a proactive force in the field of civil engineering and humanitarian aid.

Aline Saraiva Okello is a water expert, with a PhD and MSc in Hydrology and Water Resources from IHE/TU-Delft, Netherlands. Aline is Mozambican, currently living in Kenya, and has a wide experience in consulting, research and entrepreneur capacity in the water sector ranging from water resources management to water supply and sanitation, in both urban and rural spaces. Aline works as the global network manager of the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN), hosted by the Skat Foundation (Switzerland) and as a short-term consultant to the World Bank Water East Africa Region Practice (Mozambique).

To join RWSN and be informed about the next round of the mentoring programme, please sign up here.

Mon parcours dans le programme de mentorat du RWSN

Ceci est un blog d’une mentorée de RWSN, Awa DIAGNE, et d’un mentor de RWSN, Yves Etienne RAKOTOARISON.

Présentation de la mentorée

Je me nomme Awa Diagne, de nationalité sénégalaise. Je suis actuellement doctorante en première année de thèse à l’université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar au Sénégal. J’ai fait une licence en géologie et je me suis spécialisée en hydrogéologie depuis ma première année de Master. Mes recherches ont débuté en 2021 dans le cadre de mon mémoire de Master dont le sujet portait sur l’évaluation du risque sur la santé des teneurs en nitrates et en fluor des eaux souterraines dans les régions de Mbour et Fatick. Actuellement en 2023, mes travaux de thèse sont en cours avec comme sujet de recherche : « Evaluation de la salinité et de la paléo salinité du système aquifère intermédiaire du Paléocène et de l’Eocène dans la zone centrale du bassin arachidier par l’utilisation d’outils isotopique chimique et hydrodynamique dans les régions de Fatick, Thiès, Diourbel et Louga. ». Il s’inscrit dans le cadre d’un projet d’études scientifiques « RAF 7021 » de la Direction de la Gestion et de la Planification des Ressources en Eau du Sénégal (DGPRE) avec l’appui de l’Agence Internationale de l’Energie Atomique (AIEA). Durant mon cursus universitaire, j’ai eu à faire pas mal de formations en ligne et en présentiel et assisté à des colloques universitaires.

Présentation du mentor

Mr Yves Etienne Rakotoarison est un coordonnateur national de projet à RWSN avec plus de 20 ans d’expérience dans le secteur WASH de Madagascar. Pendant 4 ans, avec une équipe de 20 personnes, il a pu aider plus de 700 villages à arrêter la défécation à l’air libre. Il a débuté comme Chef de Projet et occupé le poste de Coordinateur National de Département Wash pour un ONG international pendant 5 ans. Il possède des expériences solides en assainissement en milieu rural et urbain, des projets d’adduction d’eau potable dans différentes zones et surtout dans des zones arides. Il est un pionnier dans l’adoption des solutions innovantes pour faire face au changement climatique.

Pourquoi et comment j’ai intégré le programme de mentorat du RWSN en tant que mentorée ?

Etant jeune chercheure dans le domaine de l’eau et de l’assainissement, j’ai toujours cherché à agrandir mes connaissances dans ce secteur. J’avais besoin d’une personne plus expérimentée que moi avec qui je pourrais échanger. Etant également membre du RWSN, j’ai eu la chance de tomber sur ce programme de mentorat dont les objectifs répondent à mes besoins. J’ai donc suivi le processus pour trouver un mentor au niveau de la plateforme PushFar. Dans un premier temps j’ai pu avoir un mentor qui me correspondait mais qui, malheureusement, était très souvent en voyage et indisponible. Grâce au soutien du secrétariat du RWSN, j’ai pu avoir de nouveau un autre mentor : Mr Yves Etienne Rakotoarison.

Déroulement du mentorat

Après avoir pris contact avec Mr Yves, j’ai établi un calendrier d’activités contenant les jours des réunions ainsi que les thèmes à aborder à savoir : Améliorer mon CV, maitriser le travail de terrain, comprendre davantage le système d’approvisionnement en eau potable en milieu urbain et rural, comprendre comment améliorer l’accès à une eau de bonne qualité aux populations des zones rurales, comprendre comment améliorer les systèmes d’assainissement en milieu urbain et rural, savoir comment entreprendre un projet dans le secteur de l’eau, évaluation et suivi d’un projet dans le secteur WASH, aborder une thèse de manière efficiente, pouvoir allier un travail ou un stage et la rédaction d’une thèse de doctorat, développer mon réseau professionnel, gagner de l’expérience dans le secteur WASH, avoir une bonne stratégie de communication.
Nos échanges se faisaient par appels vidéo sur l’application « WhatsApp » car jugé plus flexible pour nous.
Par soucis de disponibilité, nous avons eu à faire jusque-là que 2 réunions au cours desquels j’ai pu tirer le maximum de conseils et connaissances. Néanmoins, nous comptons poursuivre le mentorat après la fermeture de ce programme.

Dates et durée des réunions	Objectifs et ordre du jour	Réalisations
05 août 2023 1 heure	Prise de contact et établissement du calendrier des activités à mener	Présentation du mentor et de la mentorée (parcours professionnels)Disponibilité et fréquence des réunionsPartage de documents (articles scientifiques)
02 Sept 2023 32 mins	Aborder une thèse	Partage de documents (astuces pour bien gérer son temps, exemples et méthodes de gestion du temps, efficience et efficacité au travail, conseils pour rédiger sa thèse)ConseilsComment bien interagir avec mes encadreurs

Conclusions tirées du programme de mentorat

Ce programme de mentorat a été intéressant pour moi dans le sens où j’ai pu bénéficier de précieux conseils de la part de mon mentor. Les documents et articles qu’il a partagés avec moi me permettront respectivement de connaitre les astuces pour mener de manière efficace et efficiente ma thèse et d’enrichir ma documentation.

Je tiens à remercier chaleureusement Mr Yves pour sa disponibilité, sa gentillesse et sa bienveillance envers ma personne et espère qu’on pourra poursuivre nos séances de mentorat.

Merci également au RWSN de nous avoir offert ce programme.

Si vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur notre programme de mentorat et les activités de RWSN, rejoignez notre communauté ici. https://dgroups.org/rwsn

My experience with the RWSN Mentoring Programme

This is a guest blog by RWSN mentee Beatrice Kyomuhendo (Uganda) and RWSN mentor Eng. Cornelius Mpesi (Malawi) who took part in the 2023 RWSN Mentoring Programme.

Mentee’s Thoughts

My name is Beatrice Kyomuhendo, I am a WASH Technical Assistant at The Water Trust in Uganda. The Water Trust is an organization that aims at empowering the poorest rural communities in Uganda by providing clean water and healthy homes for children and their families to thrive.

I found out about RWSN through my supervisor Mr. Enock Obwon Gmuipe who shared information about the RWSN Mentoring Programme. After filling out the application, not knowing what exactly the outcome was going to be, I received an email from Eng. Cornelius Mpesi requesting to be my mentor.

Eng. Cornelius Mpesi is a mechanical and water engineer registered with the Malawi Engineering Institution (MEI) and working with Water Mission. I went through his profile, and I was very surprised at how someone willingly offers to share their knowledge at zero cost. I accepted the request, and we scheduled our first meeting. During the first meeting, we set our targets, objectives, expectations, mode of communication, convenient time for meetings and also signed the mentoring agreement. We were the first mentor and mentee to sign the mentoring agreement.

The most interesting bit of this mentoring programme is that, at the time, we were starting on our first piped water project as an organization and Eng. Cornelius was of great help to me throughout the whole project. The first assignment he gave me was to pick coordinates from our proposed source and where we planned to construct the public stand posts. This is what we used during our classes on Google Earth and EPANET. He took me through pump sizing and solar sizing basing on our project. This made work so interesting as I was always eager to go to the field and practice what we discussed in our previous classes and would also be eager to get back to my mentor with feedback on what transpired in the field.

Eng. Cornelius has encouraged me to register with the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) and helped me appreciate and utilize LinkedIn to its full capacity.

I see many benefits in my experience with the RWSN Mentoring Programme:

Gained skills in solar sizing, pump sizing
Learned to use Google Earth and EPANET
Appreciated the use of LinkedIn
Was encouraged join the UIPE.

Mentor’s Thoughts

I saw the call for mentors and mentees on RWSN LindedIn page since I am a frequent user. I quickly signed up, and as I was searching for profiles of people with similar interests in my field, Beatrice’s profile sparked my interest. I looked through it and thought to myself that there is an opportunity for me to share the little I know with someone who is eager to learn. We linked up and had our first meeting to discuss the areas in which I could help. We communicated frequently through various platforms like WhatsApp, Google Meet and Emails. From the interactions we had, I saw someone who is willing to learn and is very inquisitive. Sometimes she would nudge me with a bunch of questions which I am glad I was able to answer and assist with. This experience helped me to be a better tutor. Knowing something is one thing, but knowing how to explain it to someone so they understand it, is a totally different thing altogether. I am glad I was able to help Beatrice shape her career, and I have no doubt she will take off and keep soaring higher.

To join RWSN and be informed about the next round of the mentoring programme, please sign up here.

My Mentee Journey in the RWSN Mentoring Programme

This is a guest blog by RWSN mentee RAKOTOARIMANANA ZY Harifidy and RWSN mentor Sean Furey who took part in the 2023 RWSN Mentoring Programme.

Who am I?

My name is RAKOTOARIMANANA ZY Harifidy, from Madagascar. Currently, I am a Ph.D. candidate at the Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment (ICRE), University of Yamanashi in Japan. My research focuses on water resources assessment of the Major River Basins in Madagascar (MRBM) in the context of global change. Before coming to Japan, I worked for an NGO involved in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector in Madagascar.

What is the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN) Mentoring Programme?

I first learned about this program on my LinkedIn while I was searching for a mentorship or fellowship opportunity in the WASH sector. It turned out to be the RWSN Mentoring Programme, which enables professionals in the WASH sector to collaborate, advance their careers, and learn from one another. This program specifically supports mentees who are starting their careers or going through career transitions. It is important to note that this program is free and open to the public for a duration of 6 months. Thanks to the Pushfar platform, I could easily schedule appointment slots, monitor the progress of my mentoring relationship, and engage in online conversations with my mentor. For more information, please visit this website.

How was my experience as a mentee?

My journey as a mentee began when I found Sean Furey, the Director of RWSN Secretariat through the PushFar platform and he accepted my request on 15 May 2023. I am grateful and honored to have him as my mentor. I was in my second year of my doctoral program, uncertain about my next steps, and in need of direction. Therefore, Sean became the guiding hand I was looking for.

My objectives for joining this program were to receive feedback about my research project and to learn from my mentor’s experience and expertise in the WASH sector. I also want to improve my communication skills, particularly in presenting research findings and networking. I would like to get some advice on my future career development. These are my goals from this mentoring process.

During my mentorship, we had five one-on-one meetings scheduled once a month for 1 hour. Sean shared his experience and knowledge about the WASH sector with me. I have learned from his insights and perspectives.

9 June 2023: During our first conversation, I talked about my goals and my expectations for the mentorship program. Upon Sean’s introduction, I was greatly inspired by his professional journey in the WASH sector, which I found to be particularly motivating for young people like me. Since I was uncertain about my post-graduation plans, Sean elucidated various career options for Ph.D. students. He asked about my dream job, which I regarded as a pivotal factor in selecting my career path. He also provided insights and comments related to my research.
23 June 2023: I rehearsed my presentation for the SWAT conference in Denmark alongside Sean. As this marked my first experience at an international conference, I felt somewhat anxious and had concerns about my proficiency in English. Sean provided constructive feedback on how to effectively communicate my research findings to a non-academic audience, offering valuable tips and guidance to enhance my presentation slides for better audience comprehension. Thanks to his advice, my conference presentation was successful. Importantly, I honed both my presentation and networking abilities in the process.
11 August 2023: Sean reviewed my CV and provided valuable guidance for proactive job hunting. He recommended that I prepare two distinct versions of my CV. One focused on my academic achievements, including qualifications, grants, fellowships, awards, research experience, and publications; and the other was tailored for a professional context, emphasizing work experience, responsibilities, deliverables, evidence of teamwork, and engagement within and outside the organization. Sean also emphasized the importance of including a brief motivational paragraph in my CV. Furthermore, he connected me with some amazing African women in the WASH sector so I could look at their career paths.
15 September 2023: We focused on the review and completion of my CV. Sean provided guidance on writing a cover letter and preparing for job interviews. Moreover, he shared his own experiences, including insights from his initial interview and how he secured the job. He recommended that I practice with my friends and lab mates. An additional advantage of having Sean as my mentor is the opportunity to improve my English language skills by conversing with a native speaker.
14 November 2023: In our last meeting, we talked about the results of the mentorship program and exchanged feedback. During this mentorship, I joined the RWSN Young Professionals which is an interesting platform for networking and receiving information about events, seminars, and job opportunities in the WASH sector. I was happy that I joined this program and I decided to keep in contact with my mentor through LinkedIn.

Overall, this mentorship program is a valuable journey for me. I strongly recommend this program to every Ph.D. student and young professional in the WASH sector, who wants to shape their career and personal development. I believe that my participation in this program would have a positive impact on my future career. I forged a strong international contact network. I sincerely thank my mentor, Sean Furey, for his advice, tutelage, and precious time during the program. I am also grateful to the RWSN Secretariat for their support since the beginning of the mentoring program.

My Mentor`s comment

Zy Harifidy Rakotoarimanana is a promising Ph.D. student who is quietly confident and determined to achieve her goals of working for an international organization in a water resource role. Our mentoring calls helpfully focused on specific topics that she chose. Over the course of the mentoring meetings, we explored her career ideas, aspirations, and some possible pathways. Working together on her presentation and CV helped her think about how to communicate clearly to different audiences about herself and her expertise and work. Being in her second year of Ph.D. she still has time to explore and reflect on what she wants from a career, and I encourage her to be brave and persistent! I will be following her career with interest.

To join RWSN and be informed about the next round of the mentoring programme, please sign up here.

A Mentoring journey, by Fadzai T. Munodawafa and Kerstin Danert

For International Women’s Day, we would like to highlight two participants from the RWSN Mentoring programme for young professionals and women, Fadzai T. Munodawafa-Bhurabhura (from Zimbabwe) and Dr Kerstin Danert (from Switzerland). You can find out more about their experience of mentoring through RWSN below. RWSN plans on launching a new edition of the mentoring programme soon, and encourages women of all ages in the water sector to sign up. To find out more, sign up to become a RWSN member today.

Mentorship is a reciprocal learning relationship in which a mentor and mentee work collaboratively toward the achievement of mutually-defined goals that will develop a mentee’s skills, abilities, knowledge, and/or thinking.

Fadzai’s words:

I am Fadzai T. Munodawafa, a WASH professional with an international Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in Zimbabwe. I support teams who implement WASH in the rural communities in Zimbabwe. In addition, I am responsible for managing the drilling unit of the organisation. With such responsibilities as a young professional, I sought to increase my understanding of rural and urban water supply and sanitation as well as groundwater monitoring, which both have a significant bearing on improving access to water for under-privileged communities.

A message of invitation for young professionals in the water sector to join the mentorship programme under the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN) was shared on the Zimbabwe WASH Cluster platform. I thought this was an opportunity to learn from senior professionals and firm up my career. Following acceptance within the mentorship programme in 2020, I was linked with Dr Kerstin Danert a water sector professional researcher and facilitator.

Kerstin’s words:

I am Kerstin Danert, a rural water supply professional who has been active in RWSN since 2004, when I was still living and working in Uganda. I work as a consultant, with a range of types of work including research, training, facilitation and knowledge-brokering. I currently live in Switzerland.

Fadzai’s words:

My mentorship experience was a flexible one where I would ask questions or a raise discussion point and Kerstin would have a topic for discussion for our scheduled meetings. During our 9-month mentorship relationship, Kerstin and I discussed broadly on topics such as groundwater management, remote sensing and sustainable community-based management of water points key areas that have helped me in my career in the water sector. Kerstin’s experience in sub-Saharan Africa and remote areas made our connection easy as she could relate to my experiences and questions.

Kerstin’s words:

Our mentoring relationship commenced just as I was branching out to start my own company, which unfortunately coincided with the start of the Covid pandemic. It was not an easy time (as we all know), and I was worried as to whether my company would even survive. It very soon became apparent that this would not be a one-way mentorship by any means. Fadzai not only helped me to make contact with field realities (which I was very much missing), but also gave me a lot of support and encouragement regarding my new venture.

Fadzai’s words:

As a young professional, I was not confident speaking in public forums, a weakness my mentor helped me to work on. Now I can confidently speak in professional forums following her encouragement. Our engagement also looked into working on my resume and boost it to showcase the experience and skills I have. In addition, she connected me with experienced drillers and water specialists in Zimbabwe.

Kerstin’s words

Although I have now worked in the water sector for over 25 years always as a consultant, I still remain concerned work may not come in going forwards. Further, I think that I had began to take my years of experience for granted. The exchanges with Fadzai helped me to fully appreciate that I am actually not at the start of my working life, but (hopefully) in the middle of it with a lot under my belt already!

Both of us

Since the mentorship programme under RWSN, we have kept in touch resulting in our participation in the UNHS Climate and Gender podcast on Global Partnership: Gender, Progression and Climate-Orientated Careers (The UNHS Podcast and Spotify) in 2021. The following year, our mentorship led us to work on a report and video documenting the impact stories from participants of online courses on professional drilling by the RWSN

Fadzai’s words:

As a result of my mentorship experience, I can more effectively allocate my time for various activities, connect and confidently engage with other professionals in the water sector as well as have knowledge on key aspects of documentation. I highly recommend other young professionals to join the mentorship program that will build them up in their career within the water sector. Many thanks to the RWSN for this amazing and life changing experience.

Kerstin’s words:

This mentorship brought me closer to the field again. I learned so much from the conversations with Fadzai – and drew insights from her into all of my ongoing assignments, whatever the topic in fact. She always had such insightful contributions to make. And I argue that I was the mentee just as much as Fadzai was. So I encourage others to take the time to get involved in this programme. It has been so rewarding and I look forward to finally meeting Fadzai one day! We have been talking regularly now for three years. A big thanks to RWSN for this chance.

To find out more information about the RWSN mentoring programme, please see here.

My experience setting up a resource centre for rural water professionals

This year we are celebrating 30 years since the Rural Water Supply Network was formally founded. From very technical beginnings as a group of (mostly male) experts – the Handpump Technology Network- we have evolved to be a diverse and vibrant network of over 13,000 people and 100 organisations working on a wide range of topics. Along the way, we have earned a reputation for impartiality, and become a global convener in the rural water sector.

RWSN would not be what it is today without the contributions and tireless efforts of many our members, organisations and people. As part of RWSN’s 30th anniversary celebration, we are running a blog series on rwsn.blog, inviting our friends and experts in the sector to share their thoughts and experiences in the rural water sector.

This is a guest blog by RWSN Young Professional Justine Olweny, based in Uganda.

How I’ve ended up working in the rural water sector:

I’ve often wanted to add value to a situation. When encountered a challenge, I actively got involved and explore ways to provide solutions in reducing suffering and/or increasing performance as a team and celebrating alongside. I grew up in a drilling camp in Uganda and saw my Dad (who was a Water Engineer) drill boreholes in the early 1990s but later noticed how the services they were providing were raw. I convinced myself that if I could, I would like to improve the way my Dad provided access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.

I have a background in information technology and management. In 2017 I set up my own start-up in the water sector in Uganda, Water Access Consulting. Since then my team has grown from three to eleven people across three offices. We are involved in various activities in the water sector in Uganda: groundwater exploration, water well drilling supervision, water quality testing, hygiene promotion, and plastic waste recycling. We also have a water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) resource centre in Kitgum to share knowledge and skills to water supply practitioners across Northern Uganda and South Sudan; you can read more about it here.

Today, I feel satisfied and at my best in the business of enhancing the delivery of safe water supply using inexpensive technologies to the low-income persons living in the remote part of the country to improve their lives in a meaningful way.

Water Access Consulting team doing water quality testing

The main challenges I have encountered in my work:

Getting along with my engineering colleagues: with my managerial and information system background, I prefer to approach a problem from the customer’s perspective and this doesn’t always go smoothly with my engineering colleagues since they already have a specific predetermined set of standards in addressing a similar situation; this can cause emotional and physical issues with the project team.
Making Mistakes: in my consultancy roles I always try new ideas and some end up in the south; I admit and apologize, but it takes a lot of courage. Sometimes offering a quick solution and fixing the mess on my own takes a lot of time, and I need to convince myself that it’s okay to move on.
Time Management: with the new normal after the COVID19 disruption, the level of uncertainties has increased and today it is extremely difficult to manage time when I’m settling into a new role and adjusting my updated responsibilities.

What I like the most about RWSN:

Two things stand out for me as:

Multicultural interaction of best practices and shared experiences by water supply practitioners across the globe on how they tackle water crises in their own region, and
The RWSN mentoring program for young professionals, through which my mentor Diana Keesiga relentlessly encouraged, inspired, and guided me into my full growth and development potential.

Where I see myself and the rural water sector in my country in the next 5 years:

I was privileged to follow closely the Ugandan Government’s rural water supply reform trends from the end of the 1990s up to now including the revised Strategic Sector Investment Plan that was completed in 2009. All these efforts together with other numerous campaigns by the relevant Authorities under the Ministry of water and environment demonstrate the goodwill and commitments of the Ugandan government to enact appropriate policies that promote private-public partnerships and a rural water supply market-based approach. This would transform traditional right-based approach beneficiaries into customers by challenging the low-income population in the remote parts of the country to embrace their rights and responsibilities to pay for water services.

This huge milestone has opened doors for local entrepreneurs to thrive by supporting the government’s mandate and initiatives of promoting access to safe water as a business that is replicated with little to no government subsidies. I believe that by 2027-2030 rural water supply will be transformed from a stand-alone hand pump installed borehole located approximately 2 kilometers away from a household with a long queue of yellow 20 liter jerrican waiting to be carried over a woman’s head, into an in house water tap that is operated and maintained by private businesses creating employment, reducing ill health and increasing productivity through time-saving that stabilize our economy.

As for myself: my company, Water Access Consulting, has been shortlisted among the 110 participants for the Bayer Social Innovation Award. The next step will be public voting which will start from the 10th of August up to the 16th of August 2022. You can support us by voting here:
https://getinthering.co/bayer-public-voting-africa-middle-east/
With the funding from this award and the coaching and mentoring provided, I would expand my company and my resource and learning centre so that it can benefit more rural water professionals and Uganda and beyond.

About the author:

Justine Olweny is a Program Director and co-founder of Water Access Consulting, with experience managing diverse water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) professionals. Justine Olweny graduated with a bachelor degree in information system and Technology with bias in Water supply. You can connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/justine-olweny-0064496b/

He has co-founded an organisation Water Access Consulting that has directly impacted 144,578 lives in Uganda including children, youth, women and persons with disabilities with access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene. As of today, Justine’s company has surveyed and help drilled up to 372 water wells across Sub Saharan Africa.

Do you have a story to share with other RWSN members, about the rural water sector, your work, and your passions? We are encouraging members to contribute to our 30^th anniversary blog series. Please see the guidelines for contributions here – we will select the best blogs for publications before November 2022.

Photo credit: Justine Olweny/ Water Access Consulting