Women in the field of Hydrogeology. New Perspectives and Opportunities

Hydrogeology is the science that focuses on the water, that is essential for the development of societies and above all, for human health. It is strongly associated with demanding work, including sampling, measurements, field experiments and long field campaigns.  Traditionally, the profession of hydrogeologists was male dominated, due to the hard and demanding nature of field works.  

Today, however, all the water-related issues present major challenges, because of climate change, multiple environmental pressures, water stress, the deterioration of water quality, and the lack of rational water management. Addressing these challenges is necessary to have strict and careful planning, scientific accuracy, interdisciplinary collaboration, direct and effective communication, and rapid decision-making.

Nowadays, women hydrogeologists are highly active in all over the world and have all these skills and qualities and they have made remarkable contributions to the field of hydrogeology. Many women are experts in groundwater engineering and hydrogeology, and they work as excellent professionals, senior researchers, professors whether working in the field or in laboratories. Women’s presence and participation are essential and crucial to the development of new techniques and tools for advancing sustainable water management.  There is a new reality for the women of this field, who have built and earned through hard work, patience and clear thinking, not only in hydrogeology but in many fields of geosciences.