International Women’s Day - Women in Drowning Prevention
Back

2025 International Women's Day

International Women's Day 2025

Join us for an inspiring conversation with women leading the way in drowning prevention across the world!

Wednesday 26 March 2025
8pm NZ | 6pm Syd & Melbourne | 3pm WA | 7am UK

We are delighted to host the 4th webinar to shine a light on  the inspiring contribution of women in drowning prevention across the globe, aligning to International Women's Day. This was purposefully organised to take place after International Women's Day on 8th March, to avoid clashes with the many wonderful and important events across the world to celebrate the occasion, and to keep the momentum going throughout the whole month.

The purpose of these webinars is to highlight and celebrate the contribution of women working or volunteering at all levels of drowning prevention, from a diverse range of countries and sectors. We will hear about their unique experiences, challenges and opportunities and discuss what this year’s International Women’s Day theme of March Forward means across drowning prevention advocacy, research, policy and practice.

The webinar is an initiative of the International Life Saving Federation’s Drowning Prevention Commission. Please join us to learn about challenges and opportunities for girls and women in different drowning prevention fields and contexts and discuss how can we meaningfully include women and girls in all levels of drowning prevention across all settings.

Our expert panel includes:
Yasuko Nakagawa – Japan Life Saving Association (Japan)
Mia Bergmann – Flyte (Norway)
Medhavi Gupta – The George Institute for Global Health (India)
Leslie Schwene – City of Huntington Beach Fire Department (US)
Aminath Zoona (Zuna) – Ocean Women Project (Maldives)
Ennia Jones - Splash of Colour Swimming (Australia)

This is a unique opportunity to hear global perspectives on drowning prevention, lifesaving, and water safety.

Register now and be part of the conversation! https://bit.ly/4c4cPmv

2024 International Women's Day

The webinar reflected on inspiring women in global drowning prevention, addressing the key theme for International Women’s Day 2024: #InspireInclusion.

Featuring new and emerging leaders from drowning prevention from all corners of the globe working towards reducing drowning in their communities. The purpose of the webinar was to be inspired and motivated by women in different areas of drowning prevention, learning about challenges and opportunities, exploring the context of #InspireInclusion and what it might mean for our field, and discussing how can we meaningfully include women and girls in all levels of drowning prevention.

  • Chezik Tsunoda, Filmmaker and founder of No More Under, USA
  • Kirsty Doig, Founder, Darcey Sunshine Foundation, South Africa
  • Nahid Akther, Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh
  • Mariko Rooks, Loyola Marymount University, USA
  • Pamela Simon, Surf Life Saving Australia, Australia
  • Dr Muthia Cenderadewi, University of Mataram, Indonesia & James Cook University, Australia

Webinar was held on Wednesday 6 March 2024.

2023 International Women's Day

Drowning prevention experts from across the world meet for an inspiring discussion about the diverse journeys that have led them to their life saving work.

Speakers at the ILS Drowning Prevention Commission webinar included:

  • Monique Sharp, National Manager Marketing & Events, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia
  • Dr Catarina Queiroga, Co-Founder at IDRA - The International Drowning Researchers' Alliance
  • Ciara Gleeson, Education Development Executive, Water Safety Ireland
  • Cara Aidoo, Public Health Researcher, Ghana
  • Rehana Parveen, ECD Specialist, Center for Injury Prevention, and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB)

Webinar held on Tuesday 7 March 2023.

2022 International Women’s Day

Featuring key leaders from drowning prevention across the world, from emergency services, lifesaving, programs, research, advocacy.

Hear from leaders in different areas of drowning prevention:

  • learn about leadership challenges and opportunities
  • explore the context of #breakthebias and what it might mean for our field
  • discuss how can we collectively challenge or change the bias

Speakers:

  • Dawn Whittaker, Chief Executive of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, and National Fire Chief Officer lead for water safety and drowning prevention in the UK
  • Claire Ann V Alfonso, President, Norges Livredningsselskap (Norwegian Life Saving Society)
  • Catherine Greaves, Chief Executive Officer, Life Saving Victoria, Australia
  • Dr Jagnoor Jagnoor, Injury Program Lead, The George Institute for Global Health, Australia
  • Dr Chanel Phillips, (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi), University of Otago, New Zealand
  • Dr Rebecca Sindall, Evidence Manager, RNLI, UK
  • Dr Colleen Saunders, University of Cape Town, Life Saving South Africa

Webinar held on Thursday 10 March 2022.

Staying Safe
Keep your family safe, no matter where you are