Connecting Research to Real-World Standards: Diagne Marie Diaw on Her Mentorship in WASH

Diagne Marie Diaw is based in Senegal, where she is a PhD researcher in sociology at Université Gaston Berger, working on water governance, gender equality, human rights, and climate change adaptation. She is also a social entrepreneur and the founder of DMD Consulting, which focuses on gender integration, environmental evaluations, and WASH project design.

Diagne joined the Women in WASH & RWSN mentorship programme as a mentee, matched with Mme Aminata Fall.

Bridging Academic Research and Practical Standards

Diagne’s motivation for joining the programme centred on connecting her academic work to field-tested practice. “My goal was to connect my academic research in water governance with practical, field-tested standards to help build stronger foundations for DMD Consulting.”

A Mentor Who Listened to Her Specific Goals

What made the relationship stand out to Diagne was her mentor’s generosity and attentiveness. “What made it special was the incredible generosity and expertise of my mentor, Mme Aminata Fall. She didn’t just give general advice; she listened to my specific goals and helped me step-by-step in a very supportive environment.”

Connecting Social Science to Technical Standards

The most significant shift for Diagne came from linking gender dynamics with international technical frameworks. “The biggest shift was learning how to connect social sciences (like gender dynamics) with international technical standards.” Working through QHSE standards, including ISO 14001 and 45001, for her WASH work strengthened both sides of her practice. “It helped me strengthen both my academic profile and the practical structure of my firm.”

What Stood Out About Her Mentor

When asked what qualities had the biggest impact on her, Diagne points to three in particular. “Her deep field experience, active listening, and true willingness to share knowledge with the younger generation.”

Rethinking What Mentorship Offers

The experience reshaped how Diagne understands the purpose of mentorship. “It showed me that mentorship isn’t just about encouragement, it’s a real catalyst for gaining practical confidence and clarity in your career.”

Her Message to Anyone Considering the Programme

Diagne encourages prospective mentees to come in with intention. “Go for it with clear goals and an open mind! It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with inspiring experts who can help you move your projects forward.”

What She Recommends

When asked for a book, tool or resource recommendation, Diagne points to technical tools for research and fieldwork. “I really recommend mastering data collection and analysis tools like NVivo, KoboToolbox, or ODK Collect. For women working in research and field projects, being comfortable with data is the best way to turn field realities into solid, convincing solutions.”