From Uganda: Tackling Water Sanitation -- Women Training Women

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), “women are most often the collectors, users and managers of water in the household as well as farmers of crops.”  More than half of the 1.2 billion people who do not have access to water are women and girls. 

When water sources are contaminated or unavailable, women may be required to expend more labor collecting, storing, and protecting their water source.  The UN estimates that in some parts of Africa, women and children spend up to eight hours per day collecting water. 

This summer I am a “fellow” in the Global Women’s Water Initiative.  This program has been running since 2008 and this year it is centered in Uganda.  It supports women who are bringing water technologies to their communities.  I will be here for seven weeks.

Training near Kampala, Uganda

The overall program uses the United Nations WASH (Water Sanitation and Hygiene) training program.  It is very intense, and even the “expert trainers” find they are being educated.  There is a wonderful sharing of knowledge and support among the women.

We have been training the leadership of this year’s program.  The 25 women who are here will be supporting grass roots community leaders who will arrive for training next week.  There are 6 women from North America and 4 women from Africa who are “fellows.”

Terri Harris, UC Davis graduate student, Masters of Science, Community Development