International Women’s Day: let’s celebrate our female researchers! Interview with Safa Bacour

Together with our sister projects of the Water Governance 2027 Synergy Group, GOVAQUA and InnWater, we are delighted to dedicate this article to our female researchers to promote their work and careers around the development of water governance approaches.

These innovative approaches take into account the interdependencies between the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the design of coherent water governance practices and policies at different levels and in different sectors.

As part of RETOUCH NEXUS, we interviewed Ms Safa Bacour, Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Córdoba.

Career and challenges

Q.: Could you share your journey to becoming a researcher? What inspired you to pursue this path, what challenges have you faced as a woman in your field, and what is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from these experiences?

Ms Bacour: Curiosity, and excitement for learning new things took me to where I am today I think. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting a lot of inspiring people along the way. I cannot say that my path has been challenging for me as a woman, as I have in every step of the way been met by, supervised, and guided by great women. I appreciate having been surrounded by these role models all the way, although the gender balance in STEM isn’t always equal.

Role in the project

Q.: What do you do within the RETOUCH NEXUS project? How have your studies and expertise enabled you to fulfil this role?

Ms Bacour: I am engaged in monitoring and economic modeling tasks related to the Spanish case study. My academic background in applied economics and research experience in hydroeconomic modeling allows me to effectively contribute to the project’s tasks and the development of economic and policy instruments that foster sustainable, equitable, and resilient water governance.

Europe

Q.: At European level, do you think the research sector has become more open to women? What could be done to achieve greater equality between men and women in this field?

Ms Bacour:  Efforts and mentorship programs promoting gender equality in the European research sector have made considerable progress. However, a few challenges persist, particularly in research fields like mechanical and automation, where extensive fieldwork and mobility are often required. A shift in perspective is needed to foster a more inclusive culture and ensure equal access to funding, mentorship, and research opportunities for all.

Q.: As an expert in sustainable water governance, what do you see as Europe’s greatest challenge in implementing sustainable water governance?

Ms Bacour: Europe’s main challenge in implementing sustainable water governance is ensuring equitable water access among competing demands from different users while addressing the growing impacts of climate change, water scarcity, and water pollution. Additionally, the fragmentation of governance across various levels and sectors often impedes coordinated action, and considerable disparities in water access persist, complicating efforts to achieve sustainable and equitable water management.

Q.: Finally, what advice would you give to future generations of women who want to become researchers?

“Be confident, push boundaries, pursue knowledge, and shape the future of breakthroughs in water research.“

Safa Bacour

Read other interviews with the researchers: