Contributions of Women in the Field of Water Resources

This paper for the Stockholm Water Symposium's Workshop Eight on the Contributions of Women in the Field of Water Resources focuses on the role of women in water management positions, public interest groups and environmental groups in California and the western USA. The levels of women involved in the decision-making process involving water issues is analysed. The role of women as consumers of water and guardians of their families is discussed. A plan to interest young American women in careers in water is also explored. My research and 18 years of experience in the water resources field with the Water Education Foundation has led me to the conclusion that, while American women are moving into water management and political positions, perhaps their greatest influence will come from their unofficial positions as family caregivers and managers. In their daily lives they must make decisions and choices for their families involving natural resources such as water. In certain instances, these decisions have led to specific policy changes.