IWA Awards
IWA Gender Diversity and Water Award
The IWA Gender Diversity and Water Award recognises individuals for their outstanding professional contribution to the advancement of gender diversity supporting both equity and wider impactful change in the water sector. This award recognises the contribution of an individual, rather than an organisation or project. Eligible candidates can be IWA members or non-members from academia, science or practice (utilities, consultancy, technology providers, government, NGOs and civil society, or international organisations). Candidates for the award are shortlisted from the nominations submitted by active IWA members. Self-nominations and nominations by family members are not accepted. The award winner will be recognised for the excellence of their contribution in terms of the criteria set out in the judging criteria set out below. All applications are made on a confidential basis.
2026 Awardee
Faustina Boachie
Faustina Boachie has transformed Ghana Water’s approach to serving low-income communities, helping develop a one-person pro-poor function into a dedicated department with a voice at senior management level. Her leadership has helped improve safe water access for more than 500,000 low-income residents while creating greater opportunities for women to participate in decisions affecting water services. Through WiWASH Ghana, AfWASA and international partnerships, she has also championed women’s professional advancement and demonstrated how gender-responsive approaches can become an integral part of utility operations and be shared beyond Ghana.