A woman powering Zambia’s clean-water future

In Zambia’s growing need for sustainable water, Jessy embodies resilience and leadership in a male‑dominated field. As the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene technical program manager at World Vision Zambia, she works tirelessly to bring clean water to her community, inspired by the tangible impact her work has on women and children who are most affected by inadequate access to clean water and sanitation.

But Jessy’s journey to leadership hasn’t been without its setbacks. Like many other women in technical fields, she faced deeply rooted stereotypes and biases. Her abilities were often questioned and the lingering belief that leadership belonged to men shadowed her as she stepped into her role.

“There is this perception that(…)men must lead the technical side of water systems,” she says. “This bias can be discouraging, but I have learned to stand my ground.”

To do that, Jessy continuously updates her skills and advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion policies that help clear the path for women breaking into WASH leadership.

Jessy believes that women bring diverse perspectives that drive effective solutions. She feels they can inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEM and leadership roles. “Believe in yourself. Your experience, skills and perspectives are valuable lessons in any field,” she says. “Be fearless and persistent. Most importantly, celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they seem.”

For women looking to move into leadership and seeking clarity on how to begin, Jessy shares valuable advice to consider:

1. Stay curious. Keep learning and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
2. Build a strong support network. Surround yourself with people who will uplift and guide you.
3. Be confident. Lead with conviction by staying authentic and true to your values.
4. Take risks. Calculated risks. Step out of your comfort zone—that’s where innovation and progress will find you.

Leaders like Jessy show that when women break barriers, it only strengthens the path toward a more inclusive and equitable future for generations to come.

Every year on February 11, the world marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, an observance created to advance full and equal participation in STEM fields. Despite progress, women remain underrepresented globally in research and scientific leadership, making this day a vital reminder of the need to close the gender gap and foster truly inclusive innovation.

Written by Christina Cook with files from Kambani Phiri.