Involvement of women

One of the most crucial aspects of sustainable projects is involvement of women. Women and girls are traditionally responsible for spending hours carrying home heavy containers of water for their families, so they benefit significantly from these water projects. Therefore, it’s very important to involve them in the project and seek advice from them about key issues such as their knowledge about water sources, siting of the project, and hygiene issues faced by the community. Often women are involved in the water committee as members or hygiene promoters.

Involving women in the project is not always easy. Sometimes this involvement is met with resistance. Having an important public role as a hygiene promoter or a water committee member, enhances the women’s skills in the community, gives them more confidence, and ultimately makes them stronger and more respected community members. This change is not always welcome by everyone in the community. Our local partner organizations are aware of this, and work carefully with the community to explain the importance of the women’s involvement to the success of the project, the impact on health, and the long-term development of the community. Once a water project is completed, it’s important that women are empowered to devote their energies to activities that build a strong community.