Why Women in Water at IWA Glasgow 2026 Matters to Everyone in the Sector

Going to the International Water Association Conference (IWA) in Glasgow this October? Here’s a challenge for you.

You’re going to see a lot about Women in Water – IWA Glasgow 2026 – Women in Water

It will be visible. It will be prominent. And it will be very easy for some people to think:
“That’s women talking about women. Not really for me.”

You’d be wrong. Very wrong.

I’ve had the privilege of seeing behind the curtain — the panels, presentations and technical sessions that are being put together.

And what struck me is this:

These aren’t “women’s issues”. They’re water-sector issues.

The programme gets right into some of the big, stubborn challenges our sector has been wrestling with for years — and brings together innovators, technical experts and problem-solvers with different experiences, perspectives and ideas about how we tackle them.

That diversity of thinking matters.

So, if you’re going to Glasgow, don’t walk past. Don’t put your head in the sand. And definitely don’t assume you already know what Women in Water is about.

Turn up. Listen. Challenge your thinking. Learn something.

Because solving the water sector’s biggest challenges needs a diverse and new set of ideas and talent – and it will be here in Glasgow.

Women in Water may be the banner. But the challenges — and the solutions — belong to all of us.

Know someone attending IWA in Glasgow who shouldn’t miss out? Tag them below.

Interested to know more then click here.

Shout out to Sarah McMath, Gill Edwards, Carol Cairns, Samantha Saunders MREC CertRP and the WIW Team.