By Maha Al-Zu’bi, Nafn Amadar and Sawsan Gharaibeh
Jordan has made significant strides in encouraging women to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, particularly in areas like natural sciences, medicine and engineering. A gap persists, however, between education and professional practice, as societal and workplace barriers continue to limit women’s career progression. Although many women enter these fields, few advance into leadership roles or gain professional recognition, highlighting the persistent challenges they face.
On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrated the women in Jordan who are reshaping the landscape of water science and management. Through inspiring stories, we highlighted their resilience, leadership and lasting impact. These women are not just participants but active changemakers, driving innovative and sustainable water solutions. By addressing gender disparities, we can amplify their contributions, paving the way for a more inclusive future where women’s potential is fully realized in the water science sector and beyond.
A woman’s journey in water science embracing curiosity and change
My name is Hadeel Zawaideh, and I am a water science researcher. Growing up in Jordan, I learned early that water is precious. This sparked my curiosity about how water moves, its role in life and its finite nature, leading me to pursue a master’s in civil and environmental engineering and a career in water science.
During my internship at IWMI, I explored how policy shapes water challenges, reinforcing the need for science-based decision-making. Now, as a PhD researcher at Wageningen University and Research, I study microplastic transport in rivers, aiming to inform policies that protect water ecosystems. Being a woman in this field has challenges, but persistence is power. Women have long managed water in their communities—our voices must shape its future. To young women: stay curious, seek support and lead. As my parents say, “The only question that matters is whether you truly want to pursue it.”
Empowering women farmers through water access
I am Laila Shabsoug, a chairwoman of the Wadi Al-Seer based cooperative. The International Water Management Institute’s (IWMI) Al-Murunah project has been a transformative experience, enabling me to work with other women to develop agricultural projects supported by proper water management. With improved access to water, women farmers can increase productivity and strengthen Jordan’s agricultural sector. Yet, water scarcity and limited support continue to hinder progress in farming. Women, in particular, lack training and awareness programs in sustainable agriculture. Urgent capacity-building initiatives are needed to enhance productivity, create jobs and improve livelihoods. Equipping women with knowledge and leadership opportunities fosters both economic independence and food security. Water is the foundation of community resilience and ensuring equitable access is essential for sustainable development. Farmers are at the heart of change and supporting them means strengthening agriculture, communities and economic sustainability.
A message for future generations of women and girls in water
I am Wafa Shehadeh, the Director of the Environment and Climate Change Directorate at Jordan’s Ministry of Water and Irrigation and a steering committee member for the Al-Murunah project, which is implemented by IWMI. This project successfully promotes nature-based solutions for efficient water management through strong public-community partnerships and has significant scaling potential.
As a woman in water engineering, I face challenges such as rigid working hours and financial constraints that hinder project implementation. Despite these obstacles, I am driven to become a high-level decision-maker and a role model for women and girls in STEM. I have received invaluable support from my managers, IMWI leadership and my family, who stand by me despite long working hours.
My advice to young women in STEM: work hard, embrace innovation, gain knowledge and think outside the box. Challenge yourself and others with new ideas, solve problems creatively and never give up.
Breaking barriers in agriculture to inspire change
I am Romella Aljohar, a Jordanian agricultural engineer from Mafraq and a testament to the power of determination in breaking barriers. In my tribal community, women are seldom seen as field engineers, but I chose to defy that expectation. Working with IWMI on the Water Innovation Technologies project provided me with the opportunity to grow and to drive change. Over three years, I navigated a male-dominated farming sector, visiting 350 farms, collecting vital data and contributing to impactful research—proving that women can thrive in roles once considered out of reach.
The journey was far from easy, but with passion, resilience and technical expertise, I pushed forward. Today, I stand as a role model for other women in my community, proving that no dream is too ambitious and no obstacle too daunting.
To every young woman: believe in yourself, seize opportunities and dare to break boundaries. The world is waiting for you to rise.
Pioneering smart agriculture to empower farmers and women
I am Salma Amayri, an engineer and co-founder of Smart Green. I have navigated both challenges and triumphs in Jordan’s water and AgTech sector. Water scarcity threatens agriculture, and outdated mindsets often limit women’s roles in science and innovation. Yet, my passion for sustainability drives me to break barriers and prove that women are vital to shaping water solutions. Smart Green was built on the belief that technology can revolutionize agriculture. By leveraging AI, IoT and precision agriculture, we empower farmers to “Command and control anytime, anywhere” and “Grow more… with less!”—using fewer resources while maximizing productivity.
Navigating this field as a woman has not been easy, but each challenge has fueled my determination. To the next generation of women in science: you are leaders, problem-solvers and changemakers. Step forward with confidence—the future depends on bold women like you.
Empowering women for a sustainable water future
To achieve a more inclusive and resilient water future, women in Jordan must be empowered to lead in water management. Closing the gender gap in STEM is essential. Mentorship and career opportunities in engineering and environmental sciences equip women to address water challenges with innovative solutions. Supporting women farmers with training in sustainable agriculture enhances food security and economic independence. IWMI promotes inclusive policies and leadership opportunities, celebrating trailblazers like Hadeel, Romella, Laila, Wafa and Salma. As we mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let us commit to empowering women to lead and innovate.
