Help Vulnerable Women Become Leaders of Change

When Eugenie was pregnant, she regularly had to carry 25 liters of water long distances to provide for her family (1 liter = 2.2 lbs). That's 55 lbs of water, while pregnant. 

Pregnant women who carry heavy loads of water are far more likely to miscarry than women who have local water access.  Eugenie was one of the lucky ones; she carried her baby to term.

Water can be dangerous in other ways. Eugenie, who is a social health worker and mother of five in Bugarama, Rwanda,  says, "...because the groundwater is not protected [from runoff and drainage], the people who get water there are often sick. I am a Social Health Worker in this village, so I would try very hard to get people to boil water, but it is hard. Some people think that the water is safe for them to drink, since they have been drinking dirty water for a long time. Others cannot afford firewood." 

Fortunately, Eugenie doesn't have to worry about carrying water up steep hills anymore. Having graduated from Global Grassroots’ Academy for Conscious Change, Eugenie now leads Bright Future, a non-profit water venture serving more than 3,000 people in her community, many of whom are mothers like herself. In addition, since launching their operations, the team has actively promoted water hygiene and sanitation. They have witnessed a decrease in water-borne diseases thus reducing medical expenses for families and out-of-school time for children, and improving the overall health of community members. 

Your support helps mothers provide water for their families and their community without risk to themselves, their children, and their unborn babies. If you are not a monthly donor to Global Grassroots through GlobalGiving, please consider becoming one. Many thanks for your generosity!

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