Project Groundwater Northumbria (PGN) wants to change how we understand and deal with the movement of water underground; its interaction with old mine workings, and the resulting flood risk.
We are proud to have a diverse team working towards delivering our mission; with exceptional women bringing a wide range of talent and experience, from engineering to groundwater and geology into communities.
International Women’s Day (IWD): Celebrating Women’s Achievements and Advocating for Gender Equality
International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is a day to recognize and honor the contributions of women to society and to advocate for gender equality. Celebrated on March 8th, it brings attention to the challenges that women around the world continue to face and highlights the need for collective action to address gender inequality.
In essence, International Women’s Day is a vital occasion for celebrating the resilience, contributions, and potential of women while also acknowledging the work that still needs to be done to achieve true gender equality in all spheres of life.
Inspiring Inclusion
To celebrate, we are putting the spotlight on the women in our team to underscore their significance and to motivate the next generation of women joining the workforce or seeking the confidence to venture into new fields.
This year’s theme, Inspire Inclusion, resonates deeply with us as we are actively embodying it in multiple ways. Not only have we actively recruited women onto our team, but we have also prioritized their retention and professional development. What truly makes this project exceptional is the unwavering support we receive from our male colleagues, who inspire and empower us to strive for continuous improvement.
But don’t just take our word for it, hear from some of the women of PGN.
Diane Steele
One of our specialists in groundwater is Diane Steele, who offers valuable insights and technical information for the project.
Diane shares on the evolving nature of the sector and her ongoing efforts to expand her expertise.
‘My role is as a Groundwater Specialist, focusing on quarry, mineral and geothermal sectors and the management of water resources.
Over the past 20 years of working in the water industry I have seen a real change in the number of women in specialist, technical, posts and an overall increase in the number of opportunities for women to progress their careers. Even 10 years ago I remember standing in a conference room of my peers and being either the only woman or one of only a handful; I can happily say this has now vastly changed.
In my role I am privileged to have a very diverse workload, all of which requires improving my own scientific knowledge and that of others. I strive to identify efficient and innovative ways of solving complex, scientific problems and am happy to say I am supported in this by many female colleagues – I look forward to see how the industry continues to progress.’
Alex Scaife
Alex is a Flood Resilience Engagement Advisor for the North East Area within the Environment Agency, funded by the Regional Flooding and Coastal Committee.
She has helped steer PGN on community engagement around flood resilience, social media outreach, spreading awareness around personal and business flood preparedness and safety.
The knowledge she brings to the table helps strengthen our links with partners and the community.
‘Working within the Environment Agency and externally with all our partners at local authorities and local resilience forums, I’ve never felt more valued for my perspective and experience, I have a feeling of true equality and a refreshing respect for my authenticity, both as a professional and as a woman’
Lynn Chapman
Our STE(A)M lead is Lynn Chapman and she loves spending time with our local schools working with and encouraging pupils to make the connection between STEAM subjects and real life jobs and opportunities.
‘From when I first started in industry to now, I have seen a change in the number of women who have trained in science and engineering-based jobs and within my own career, my role has changed from engineering to delivering STE(A)M. STE(A)M is a great way to get the message out to young girls, that they can be anything they want to be and jobs don’t come with a gender label. There unique talents will be recruited, retained and developed, so they can have the best possible career as young women entering the work force.’
Sally Gallagher
Sally is a very experienced hydrogeologist from the groundwater, hydrology and contaminated land team with the Environment Agency. She provides technical steer on the development of the flood risk mapping.
Sally Gallagher is one of our highest honoured women on the project receiving an MBE awarded by HM Queen Elizabeth II and presented by HRH Princess Anne. This is a great example of how valued and important women are within the working environment.
‘Starting work as a hydrogeologist over 30 years ago I was the only woman in the highways, waste and engineering team. I now work in a diverse team of managers, technical specialists, and scientists where there are as many women as men. Times have changed greatly and for the better, I think. Women are showing their value, with many in senior positions and in ground-breaking roles, based on their expertise, capability, and choices to some extent. This change was reflected by the similar numbers of inspiring women and men of many nationalities who were being recognised for their contribution to ‘making a difference’, at Windsor Castle during my award ceremony. I was awarded an MBE in December 2020 in recognition of my dedication, passion and expertise in protecting groundwater.’
Meshi Taka
Meshi is the Project Lead for PGN driving its overarching mission and ambitions.
Meshi is a chartered Civil Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
“The diversity within our team is our superpower, building on a wealth of varied talents, expertise, opinions, experiences, and outlooks. Each individual inspires creativity and bolder ambitions.”
To support IWD2024 and find out more, visit International Women’s Day 2024 (internationalwomensday.com)
