Water: source of life for humans, source of inequality for women?

This special edition of Bar des Sciences is part of both the cultural season "Eaux" (Waters) organized by the Médiathèques network and the theme of the Fête de la science (Science Festival) "Océan de savoirs" (Ocean of Knowledge). It will focus on a subject that is essential on a global scale, where water is still too often an additional factor of discrimination against women and girls. Whether it is the chore of fetching water imposed on women in certain cultures, or inequalities closer to home in the workplace, in engineering for example, many issues relating to gender inequality around the question of water will be addressed during this evening.

To discuss this Science and Society topic, four multidisciplinary experts will answer questions from the audience live:

• Julie Mendret, associate professor and junior member of the Institut Universitaire de France, who conducts research on the development of water treatment processes for the removal of micropollutants;
• Clémence Decroock, project manager at the UNESCO ICIREWARD Center, who is currently leading a project to revitalize the network of UNESCO chairs working on the theme of "Water and Women."
• Anne Madziarski, Head of the Water Authority Department within the Waste and Water Cycles Division of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole
• Marion Derochet, Project Engineer in the International Division of Antea Group

The Science Bar has become one of Montpellier's flagship scientific culture events, regularly hosting participatory, citizen-led debates on all aspects of science. Throughout the season, scientists are invited to engage in dialogue where their knowledge and practices are shared, but can also be discussed.

The season is co-produced by the UM's Scientific Culture/Events and Knowledge Dissemination Department and its partners: INRAE, INSERM, IRD, and Radio Aviva. This special edition of Bar des Sciences is produced in collaboration with Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole.