Jessy Samuyachi’s Journey as a Woman in WASH Leadership
As the world celebrates International Women's Day under the theme Accelerating Action for Gender Equality, Jessy Samuyachi stands as a testament to resilience, leadership, and the power of women in shaping the future. As a WASH Technical Programme Manager for World Vision Zambia, she is at the forefront of delivering clean water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions to communities in need. Her journey, filled with passion, perseverance, and advocacy, exemplifies what it means to be a woman leading in a male-dominated field.
Inspiration in Impact
Jessy’s inspiration stems from the tangible impact her work brings to communities, particularly to women and children who are most affected by inadequate access to clean water and sanitation.
“Access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene is a fundamental human right. Seeing the positive change in people's lives, knowing that children no longer have to walk long distances for water, and that families can live healthier lives because of our interventions, this is what keeps me going,” she shares.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Field
Like many women in technical fields, Jessy has faced challenges rooted in stereotypes and biases. Often, people question her expertise, assuming that WASH leadership requires an engineer or a male figure to be truly effective.
“There is this perception that women are more suited for sanitation and hygiene aspects, while men must lead the technical side of water systems. This bias can be discouraging, but I have learned to stand my ground,” she says.
To overcome these challenges, Jessy has built a strong support network of mentors, peers, and sponsors who recognise her capabilities. She continuously updates her skills to stay ahead in the field, ensuring that her knowledge and expertise speak louder than the stereotypes. Additionally, she actively advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion, pushing for policies that create opportunities for women in WASH leadership roles.
The Power of Women in Leadership
Jessy believes that increasing women’s representation in leadership is crucial for driving meaningful change. Women bring diverse perspectives that lead to inclusive and effective solutions, ensuring that the needs of all community members are addressed. Moreover, they serve as role models, inspiring young girls to pursue careers in STEM and leadership positions.
“Diverse leadership teams make better decisions because they consider a wider range of viewpoints and lived experiences. That is why women must take up leadership roles and contribute their expertise,” she emphasises.
A Message to Young Women
On this International Women's Day, Jessy has a powerful message for young women aspiring to lead:
“Believe in yourself. Your experiences, skills, and perspectives are valuable assets in any field. Seek mentors who inspire and support you, and don’t be afraid to challenge stereotypes. Be fearless and persistent, and most importantly, celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they seem.”
Advice to Aspiring Women Leaders
For women who dream of stepping into leadership, Jessy offers this advice:
Develop a growth mindset – Stay curious, keep learning, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Build a strong support network – Surround yourself with people who uplift and guide you.
Be authentic and confident – Stay true to your values and lead with conviction.
Take calculated risks – Innovation and progress often come from stepping out of your comfort zone.
As the world accelerates action for gender equality, leaders like Jessy Samuyachi remind us that when women break barriers, they open doors for generations to come. Through her leadership in WASH, she is not only changing lives but also paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.