In celebration of both Women’s History Month and World Water Day, the Permanent Forum of Binational Waters launched a special podcast episode highlighting the importance of gender equality in STEM, with a focus on water science and leadership.
Hosted by Dr. Rosario Sánchez, director of the Permanent Forum of Binational Waters, the episode featured a heartfelt and revealing conversation with Dr. Renée Martin-Nagle—water expert, environmental advocate, and former legal executive in the aviation industry.
Dr. Martin-Nagle, who now serves on multiple international water committees, shared candid reflections on her professional journey: from being the only female executive in a male-dominated field to pivoting her career toward global water sustainability after the birth of her first grandson. “I still wanted to be a career woman,” she said, “but I didn’t want to do aviation anymore—I wanted to work for the planet.”
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Martin-Nagle emphasized the challenges women face in technical fields and the urgent need to change systemic dynamics. “In science and water, there aren’t enough women,” she noted, calling for greater support, visibility, and mentorship.
The dialogue also explored intergenerational learning and the importance of building inclusive communities. “Young professionals have so much to offer,” Dr. Sánchez added. “In the Forum, we couldn’t do what we do without them.”
The episode concluded with a shared message of hope and resilience. Both participants stressed that achieving gender equality in STEM is not about competition, but about collaboration—between men and women, between generations, and across sectors. Water challenges are global, and the solutions must be inclusive, multidisciplinary, and gender-balanced.
This podcast is part of the Women in Science initiative from the Permanent Forum of Binational Waters, dedicated to amplifying women’s contributions to water research, sustainability, and cross-border cooperation.
If you’d like to explore more inspiring conversations like this one, you can watch the full Women in Water series by visiting the following link. Each episode highlights the voices, experiences, and contributions of women advancing science and water management across borders.