Beyonce's BeyGood4Burundi and UNICEF have joined forces to empower women and girls in rural Burundi through access to safe, sustainable water. Burundi is facing a severe water crisis and this project will provide safe drinking water to nearly half a million people. Women and girls make up 52 percent of Burundi's total population, but they are overwhelmingly responsible for the burden of gathering water. to safe water supports an increase in health, access to education, and a better future.
At least 2.2 million people in Burundi, mostly women and girls, lack access to safe water. Unsafe drinking water is a leading cause of death among children under 5. When women and girls spend hours daily collecting water, they miss out on an education. The journey is not always safe, and many girls are at risk of attack. Many schools do not have separate toilets for boys and girls, so girls cannot manage their menstrual cycles with dignity, leading many to skip or drop out of school.
This project will provide access to a safe and sustainable water supply to nearly half a million in Burundi's three most vulnerable districts, where 82% are women and children. The project will support the drilling of wells with hand pumps; the creation and training of water committees comprised of at least 50% women, including in decision-making positions; community-led education of proper hygiene practices; and training communities in water management and maintenance.
For many girls, access to safe water and basic hygiene is the foundation for equity. Globally, girls and women spend about 200 million hours daily gathering water. Ensuring sustainable access to safe water gives them back their time - to focus on school, health, hygiene, and family. It also provides long-term health benefits to the whole community by reducing the incidence of water-borne diseases. Join BeyGood4Burundi and UNICEF to build a brighter future for the children of Burundi.
