“I was more than determined to make a difference…. With determination, hard work, and prayer, only the sky is the limit.”
—Susan Kasemire, Water Mission WASH Engineer, Uganda
Water Mission is proud to celebrate the UN’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science again this year.
The women on Water Mission’s engineering team at our headquarters in North Charleston, SC, and around the world work hard each day to show God’s love and improve the world with their expertise and creativity. Their work helps provide access to clean, safe water for people in developing countries, refugee camps, and disaster areas.
Many women and girls walk more than three miles each day to collect water. Unfortunately, the water they collect is often contaminated. This unsafe water causes illness, limiting girls’ educational opportunities and women’s economic opportunities. With access to safe water, however, the health of entire communities improves. That’s why Water Mission has served more than 7 million men, women, and children in 57 countries. When we build safe water solutions, communities witness Water Mission and their local church working together in the name of the Lord.
Susan Kasemire is one of Water Mission’s skilled WASH engineers located in our Uganda country office. In honor of the UN’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we interviewed Kasemire. Read on to hear about her experiences working with a safe water charity as a WASH engineer, as well as her advice for girls considering a similar path.
Q: Tell us about your role at Water Mission?
Susan Kasemire: I am a WASH Engineer in Water Mission’s Uganda program. I carry out assessments and designs and supervise projects under implementation. I also have expertise in hand pump repairs and rehabilitation, as well as operation and maintenance of solar-powered systems.
Q: How did you get into this field?
Kasemire: Growing up, I always loved challenging myself. Being in an environment where females were less interested in pursuing science fields, I was more than determined to make a difference. I wanted to do what was considered difficult and prove to all that, with determination, hard work, and prayer, only the sky is the limit.
Q: What drew you to Water Mission?
Kasemire: I had an opportunity to do my industrial training with Water Mission Uganda in 2015. I was so shocked to find a welcoming, God-fearing, hardworking team, as this was never the case in my previous internship placements. It was during this training period that I knew exactly who and where I wanted to be-not just an engineer but an engineer who is driven by God’s guidance. What makes Water Mission unique is the fact that God drives its mission.
Q: Is there a meaningful memory you’d like to share?
Kasemire: Kisima Island is one community whose memory will forever be fresh. This island did not have access to safe water the first time I was there. The residents were so welcoming and happy about the idea of safe and clean water. Water Mission was able to serve this island, and the joy it brought to the community is still evident today.
Q: Do you have any advice for young women considering a similar career?
Kasemire: My message to all young women is: Please don’t give up. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. It is possible and achievable. Believe in yourself and, above all, put your trust in God.
“I knew exactly who and where I wanted to be—not just an engineer but an engineer who is driven by God’s guidance.”
—Susan Kasemire, Water Mission WASH Engineer, Uganda
Are you interested in learning more about the global water crisis and how Kasemire and the Water Mission team serve our global neighbors? Visit watermission.org/get-involved or follow us on social media at @water_mission on Twitter and Instagram or @WaterMissions on Facebook.
With your partnership, Water Mission can bring safe water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions to more people around the world.