In this talk, Dr Marielle Snel will present a study focused on the careers of mainly women who have worked in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector for more than fifteen years. Including insights from experienced professionals in both humanitarian and development settings, the study examines how women think about their careers, identities, motivations, and leadership paths in a field often influenced by deep-rooted structural and gender issues. The findings present a complex view. Women in WASH show strong commitment, resilience, and a sense of belonging to the sector. However, they also face ongoing challenges related to gender norms, organizational structures, and work-life balance. This practical research goes beyond basic surveys and token gender discussions. It focuses on real experiences to better understand the root causes of inequality as identified by the participants. The talk will conclude with a discussion of ways to foster change and highlight recommendations from practitioners that aim to create more equitable, supportive, and empowering work environments in the WASH sector.