What's the one thing that no child likes doing? Chores. And kids in Nigeria are no different. Except here, daily chores involved carrying a heavy bucket full of water back from the waterhole, being careful not to slip on the way and spill it, or worse still, dropping and breaking it. The burden of collecting water falls mainly on the females in the family, while the men are earning a living.
If all of the time that women and girls spend collecting water each day were added together, it would come to 200 million hours. So that's walking often-hefty distances to a water source, scooping water from ponds, sand banks, rivers or deep holes and carrying it home on their heads, backs or pedaling it on a bike.
You could say that water is a woman's job.
We recognize that alleviating the task of water collection opens up new opportunities for women and girls.
By alleviating the time spent on collecting water, more girls are enrolled in school and women are pursuing endeavors such as community gardens to improve nutrition and provide additional income.
When they no longer have to make that journey, or stand in long queues waiting for their turn to collect water, it doesn’t just save girls and women hours of time every day.
It means they no longer have to risk serious injury, navigating uneven paths and steep ravines, where they’re also at risk from animal attacks and assault.
It reduces the risk of long-term damage to their neck, back and spine, a common injury caused by carrying heavy containers of water over long distances.
Together we'll provide access to clean, safe and reliable water in our communities. To help and support Relichia Empowerment, please contact us.
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