Water and Gender in Practice World Water Day Webinar

Water and Gender in Practice World Water Day Webinar

On March 27th at 12 pm, in celebration of World Water Day, HR2W CEO Amanda Loeffen, will be giving an overview of recent research on gender-inclusive water management and explore how gender perspectives can be effectively integrated into Living Lab approaches at the Water4All webinar on Water and Gender in Practice. The webinar provides an opportunity to reflect on how water shapes our societies and how collective action can strengthen sustainable water management.

Water-Oriented Living Labs (WOLLs) offer a powerful lens through which to explore these questions. As real-life experimentation environments, they bring together municipalities, researchers, companies, authorities, and citizens to co-develop solutions adapted to local contexts. Through their activities, WOLLs demonstrate how innovation in water management is not only about technological performance, but also about inclusiveness, community engagement, and collaborative governance.

This webinar brings together several representatives from Water-Oriented Living Labs to share their experiences from the ground. By presenting their local initiatives and reflecting on their engagement with stakeholders and communities, they will illustrate how water innovation can contribute to building more inclusive, resilient, and water-smart territories. In doing so, the session highlights how Living Labs translate broader sustainability ambitions into practical actions that create tangible societal value.

Agenda

The event will be moderated by Andrea Rubini (Water Europe).

1. Welcome and Introduction

  • Welcome and opening remarks (Andrea Rubini, Water Europe)
  • Overview of recent research on gender-inclusive water management and explore how gender perspectives can be effectively integrated into Living Lab approaches (Amanda Loeffen, Water4All Vice-Chair)

2. Living Lab Spotlight Presentations
Short presentations from the participating Living Labs.

  1. Água-Mãe Living Lab, Portugal –  Rita Lourinho
  2. Water Campus Leeuwarden, Netherlands – Peter de Jong
  3. Freshwater Competence Centre, Finland – Mia Pihlajamäki

3. Panel Discussion – Inclusive Water Innovation

4. Wrap-Up and Closing