Social Science Researcher Meghna Mukherjee Emphasizes the Need for Women in Water Research To Understand Water and Sanitation Impacts on Women

Meghna Mukherjee is a social science researcher and program manager at Meta Research in the Netherlands - orignally from India. She is currently working on water management projects in India and Ethiopia. Meghna highlights the importance of social science research in the water sector, as it enables a better understanding of the social and economic impacts of water management on different groups, including women. She emphasizes that women's involvement in the water sector, including those with degrees in social sciences, can help address overlooked issues and intersectionalities that affect water management on the ground.

She stresses the importance of social science research and innovative methods to address critical issues such as regulatory barriers, water access, and stakeholder engagement. The author also highlights the need to consider the perspectives of underrepresented and underpowered groups, including women and communities of color. The text also notes the significance of water access during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meghna discusses the importance of taking a systems approach to solve wicked problems, such as improving road infrastructure to benefit communities. She emphasizes that it is essential to bring together technical expertise, social science research, and local community perspectives to create effective solutions. She also acknowledges the challenges of being a social scientist in a technical field and working in a foreign country, and the importance of learning to navigate these conditions diplomatically