In our new series “Where Are They Now?”, we had the pleasure of interviewing Georgina Mukwirimba, a former IWRA World Water Envoy from Zimbabwe. Georgina served as an Envoy at IWRA’s XVII World Water Congress in Daegu, South Korea, in 2021. She shares insights from her time as an Envoy, her professional journey, and her current work addressing global water challenges.
Highlights of the IWRA World Water Envoy Experience
Georgina described her time as an IWRA World Water Envoy as enriching, especially due to the mentorship she received from Henning Bjornlund, IWRA Vice President. “The mentorship programme was invaluable,” Georgina recalls. “Henning helped me with recommendations, advised me on applications, and improved my personal statements.”
Attending the World Water Congress in South Korea was a standout experience for Georgina. “Speaking in front of a huge crowd in South Korea was a fantastic experience,” she says. “Traveling to a new country, meeting people like Jennifer Sara from the World Bank, and making connections that opened up numerous opportunities was incredible.”
Motivation and Perspective
Georgina’s passion for advocacy and public speaking drove her to become a World Water Envoy. “I saw myself as a voice for others, an advocate,” she explains. “I always thought I was born to be a speaker, an envoy, or a diplomat. This role matched perfectly with what I love to do.”
Her background in engineering and her pursuit of a master’s degree in water resources policy and management has further solidified her commitment to addressing global water challenges. “I was motivated by the opportunity to discuss important issues at the Congress,” she notes. “I wanted to be the voice sharing these experiences firsthand rather than relying on outsiders who haven’t lived them.”
Professional Journey Post-Envoy
After her tenure as an IWRA World Water Envoy, Georgina joined the United Nations Office for Project Services as a graduate engineer, working on water and sanitation projects in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, a district that was heavily impacted by Cyclone Idai. “The project involved not only rehabilitating existing infrastructure but also constructing new systems,” she says. “We built new water supply systems, reservoirs, pipelines, and other necessary infrastructure.”
She is also currently pursuing her master’s degree with scholarship offers from the University of Oxford and Oregon State University, ultimately choosing the latter. “After considering various advice and factors, I felt that Oregon State would best support my career aspirations,” Georgina explains.
Impact on Career Trajectory
The IWRA World Water Envoy experience profoundly influenced Georgina’s career, highlighting the complexity of water issues and the need for interdisciplinary approaches. “The challenges in the water sector are multifaceted and require input from various disciplines,” she says. “The programme I’m enrolled in is interdisciplinary, drawing insights from multiple fields because the issues are not singular but multidimensional.”
Pressing Water-Related Challenges
Georgina identifies the exclusion of major water consumers like large corporations and agricultural firms from water dialogues as a significant issue. “The water dialogues are often limited to water professionals talking to each other at conferences,” she points out. “We need to engage those outside our field—businesses, corporations, the public, and policymakers.”
Lessons Learned and Advice
Georgina emphasises persistence, networking, and genuine communication as key lessons from her IWRA World Water Envoy experience. “Networking is crucial,” she advises. “Talk to people you don’t know. Networking can lead to unexpected opportunities.”
She also stresses the importance of listening. “Listen to understand rather than to respond,” she advises. “When you talk too much without truly listening, your intentions can be misinterpreted.”
Passion and Motivation
Georgina’s passion for water issues stems from personal experiences and the influence of inspiring mentors. “My mother’s love for water played a role,” she shares. “The water rationing we faced made her unhappy. This personal connection to water issues further motivated me.”
Her commitment is fuelled by the severe water challenges in her community in Harare. “Harare faces severe water challenges, and while I may not solve them directly, I believe I can contribute in small ways,” she says. 
Water Stewardship
For Georgina, water stewardship aligns with her Catholic faith, emphasising the responsibility to care for water as a gift from God meant to benefit all. “Water is a gift from God meant to benefit all,” she explains. “We have a responsibility to take care of it regardless of our religious beliefs or lack thereof.”
She advocates for environmental, climate, and water justice, ensuring equal access to water for vulnerable communities. “Stewardship for me means having a vocation to take care of water and ensuring that it benefits everyone equally,” Georgina notes.
Final Thoughts
Georgina stresses the importance of genuinely involving youth in organisations and events, recognising their valuable contributions and supporting their initiatives. “Youth are not just young people; many of us wear multiple hats as young professionals with valuable skills to bring to the table,” she emphasises. “Our perspectives and ideas can significantly contribute to various initiatives.”
Her main takeaway is that opportunities for young people should be genuine and substantial. “Opportunities should not merely serve as advertisements or checkbox exercises,” she concludes. “Instead, organisations should cultivate and support the ideas and projects that youth bring forward, ensuring that their involvement leads to significant and lasting contributions.”
Georgina Mukwirimba’s journey as an IWRA World Water Envoy and her ongoing efforts highlight the critical role of advocacy, interdisciplinary approaches, and inclusive dialogues in addressing global water challenges.
Click here to read the full interview.
Readers are welcome to get in touch or connect with Georgina via her LinkedIn profile.
