The International Hydropower Association (IHA) has announced that it is bringing the Women in Hydropower Mentorship Program (WHMP) under its organisation as part of efforts to support greater inclusion across the hydropower sector.
Women currently represent around 25% of the hydropower workforce globally, highlighting the need to encourage more women to join and remain in the industry.
The WHMP was established in 2017 by Nora Rosemore and a small group of women in the US who identified a need for a platform where women working in hydropower could connect, develop professionally and share experiences. Operated by volunteers, the initiative has expanded into a global mentorship programme supporting around 200 participants annually.
Under IHA’s management, the programme will gain access to the association’s international network and staff resources, with the aim of supporting its long-term development. Planned initiatives include improving mentor and mentee matching tools, strengthening connections across the IHA membership and promoting the programme at international events.
IHA said the programme’s core objectives would remain unchanged, continuing to focus on building a professional support network for women working in hydropower.
The association also acknowledged the support provided by engineering consultancy Kleinschmidt in helping develop the programme, which now serves women in more than 40 countries.
Applications for the 2026–27 cohort are open from 1 June until 15 August for both mentors and mentees.
More information is available at womeninhydropower.org.
