Alumna interview with Iara Giacomini: We need more women in the water arena
As a child, she was inspired by oceanographer and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau. Today, IHE Delft alumna Iara Giacomini makes an impact for water in Brazil in her role as Director of River Basin Rehabilitation, Access to Water and Multiple Use of Water Resources in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. In an interview at the World Water Week in Stockholm, she describes her motivation, the impact of IHE Delft on her career and why it is important for women to enter the water sector.
How did you become involved in the water sector?
That's a funny story! When I was around 10, I used to watch the Jacques Cousteau TV shows and I fell in love with the oceans and with the water. I decided that as Jacques Cousteau, I would like to become an oceanographer, too. And I did eventually, and after that I decided to study limnology in order to integrate the continental waters with the marine waters. And since then, I didn't stop studying and working with water. So, I could say that it was a Jacques Cousteau's fault that I'm still here.
Watch the whole interview
How did studying at IHE Delft affect your career?
Studying at IHE Delft changed my life completely. Not only because I have friends and a huge network of water professionals now - from my friends all around the world. But also, it brought me different opportunities in work. As soon as I graduated from IHE Delft, I got the first promotion and then the next one, and then a third one. Now I am working in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Studying Water Governance and Conflict Resolution at IHE Delft opened my mind in a way, to map new opportunities and to be ready for different challenges that Brazil is facing right now. So IHE Delft was a very important step in my professional life and career.
IHE Delft opened my mind in a way, to map new opportunities and to be ready for different challenges that Brazil is facing right now.
Why is it important to have women in the water sector?
Women are those who are dealing with the water in their daily routine. And also, because a woman has this power to integrate different things at the same time – they have more sensitivity to observe how people are reacting for different situations. I think we would have better solutions and propositions if you have more women from different ages and social classes and colours, shaping solutions and solving problems with us.
I think we would have better solutions and propositions if you have more women from different ages and social classes and colours, shaping solutions and solving problems with us.
What would you say to young women considering entering the water sector?
I would say go, go, go! There are so many opportunities all around the world to study water and to know more about water! It's not always easy, so I would say: Don't give up if you fail the first time, keep it going and eventually you will find a good network of women to support you. And there are also fellowships and other different types of support that you can get. So, don't give up on your dreams - just keep going. Talk with a woman in the water sector as well. Know their stories, which can be very inspiring. So just go. We need you in the arena. Come, please!
Maria Laura Sorrentino
Alumni Relations Advisor
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