This is Rabeca. Her community in Sussundenga region was hit hard by Cyclone Idai in 2019. Family homes were torn down and their only source of clean water was destroyed.
Rabeca stepped up. Previously she’d only thought of herself as a mother of two and sadly a widow, but now she’s Volunteer Community Activist too.
She took it upon herself to support her village and neighbouring communities through what were some of the most trying weeks and months of their lives. She teamed up WATSAN, our local partners, to help teach families about the importance of good hygiene practice to prevent waterborne disease – especially important in the wake of a disaster
Rabeca now plays a vital role in her community. She speaks for other women, understands girls’ issues and stands up for them.
We ensure in every village and school project that women like Rabeca make up at least half of the water committee. They take ownership of the water pump and are trained how to look after it.
Most of our well construction teams are made up of men. It is traditionally ‘a man’s job’. We ensure our training is accessible to local women who are interested in these learning, like Gracious, the first female driller we ever trained.
Because how can we really achieve equitable water, sanitation and hygiene education (WASH) access if women are not a part of the conversation?
From the women at Village Water to every one reading this, let’s keep working together because, like Rabeca, our work is not yet done.
Celebrate the achievements, the hard work and the wonderful things women do with our International Women’s Day Gallery.
