Safe Drinking Water & Sanitation for Those in Need

Blue Planet Network works to improve the impact of our member water and sanitation projects worldwide. When we give water, we give life.

Blue Planet Network is a powerful online platform that gives water, sanitation and hygiene experts from all over the world the tools and means to monitor projects, share their data and network via peer reviews. The collaboration and learning that ensues allow organizations to make effective changes to program designs for the best long-term results. As a fully transparent, not for profit organization, Blue Planet Network makes these discussions and data visible to all who visit blueplanetnetwork.org. 

Member Spotlight: Global Women's Water Initiative

Today, we’d like to share the life-saving work of our member Global Women’s Water Initiative (GWWI). GWWI uses a “train the trainer” approach in Uganda to provide clean water and sanitation, the essential elements for a healthy, dignified life.

The Issues

• The Water Access Problem: In the Gomba district of Uganda there is only 42% safe water coverage and half of the unprotected, open tanks are over 3 miles away. Resultantly, women and children are forced walk very long distances to collect water for their families. The effort that they put into collecting water systematically keeps them from completing their education and the long, isolated journey often puts them in danger of being assaulted. 

• The Sanitation Problem: In Gomba, many people simply do not believe in using latrines. As a result, the district reports 1,500 diarrhea cases and 50 under age-five diarrhea related deaths per month.

• The Woman Problem: Just 5% of the women in Gomba have control over basic resources, such as land, and many are unaware of their right to work or own property. This makes them especially vulnerable to cycles of poverty and dependence.

The Solution: Empowering Women Empowers Communities

GWWI's approach focuses on ‘Women and Water Trainings’ that train participants to become leaders in their communities. In addition to constructing rain water harvesting tanks, biosand filters and latrines, graduates of these trainings go on to lead projects implemented by the women of the village and that utilize local resources, such as clay and soil for brickmaking. Female users are in mind every step of the way. For example, uniquely, these latrines will include a menstruation cleaning bay and 1,000 girls will receive menstrual health education. 

Going Above and Beyond: Strengthening the local economy for long-term impact

• 3000 people will receive training that emphasizes hygiene best practices, water treatment techniques and the importance of water resource protection. The women that participate will leave with practical skills and importantly, with the understanding that the long-term success depends on the transfer of their knowledge to the rest of their communities. 

• 1000 girls will benefit from menstrual health education, allowing them to better understand their own physiologies and contribute to their emotional intelligence.

• 5 micro-entrepreneurial womens' groups will create products such as soap and reusable menstrual pads. These small businesses will contribute to economic growth and will better position the community to withstand the periods of drought and food insecurity that are common.

Your contribution today on Global Giving supports the collaborative Blue Planet Network member projects such as the one you have learned about today. We hope you consider Blue Planet Network and our members today!

Links:

• Nothing is Impossible: The Global Women's Water Initiative
• Blue Planet Network Videos!