International Women’s Day 2025 is a call to Accelerate Action towards gender equality. At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum. By taking decisive action today, we can break systemic barriers and create opportunities for women and girls worldwide.
One of the most effective ways to drive gender equality is by addressing the fundamental issues that hold women back, and access to clean water is one of them. Without reliable water sources and proper sanitation, millions of women and girls are forced into cycles of poverty, missing out on education, work, and leadership opportunities. At Project Waterfall, we believe that clean water is a catalyst for change, enabling women to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
Clean Water: A Key to Women’s Empowerment
Across the world, women and girls bear the responsibility of collecting water for their families. This task, often taking several hours a day, prevents them from going to school or earning a livelihood. In remote, rural areas such as coffee farming communities, access to clean water is scarce, meaning the impact is even greater. The lack of safe sanitation facilities also means that girls miss school during their menstrual cycles, further widening the education gap between boys and girls.
At Project Waterfall, we tackle these issues head-on by delivering sustainable WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) solutions to coffee-growing communities. By investing in clean water infrastructure, we reduce the burden on women, giving them back time to study, work, and participate in society.
Transforming Lives in Rwanda & Ethiopia
In Rwanda, our Accelerating Access project alongside our implementing partner WaterAid is making a tangible impact. We have provided clean water to 35,000 people by installing 23 public taps in remote communities. These taps not only save hours of daily water collection but also improve health by reducing waterborne diseases.
Beyond infrastructure, we have prioritised hygiene education, reaching over 187,000 people with vital information on sanitation and hygiene. Through local engagement, we are empowering communities to maintain safe hygiene practices, ensuring long-term health benefits, particularly for women and children.
Meanwhile, in Ethiopia, our work continues to expand. We are scaling up hygiene campaigns in schools and health centres, improving menstrual health education, and strengthening governance to make WASH services more sustainable. By integrating menstrual hygiene programmes into schools, we are helping more girls stay in education, reducing dropout rates, and breaking taboos around menstruation.
The Wider Impact of Clean Water
Access to clean water does more than improve health, it is a stepping stone towards economic empowerment. When women no longer spend hours fetching water, they can engage in income-generating activities, start businesses, or take on leadership roles in their communities. It fosters independence and gives women control over their futures.
Our approach at Project Waterfall is not just about providing infrastructure but ensuring long-term, community-led solutions. By working closely with local governments and partners, we create sustainable systems where communities take ownership of their water sources. Women are central to these efforts, trained in water management and maintenance, ensuring lasting impact.
Join the Movement
By supporting Project Waterfall, you are investing in clean water solutions that directly empower women and girls. The evidence is clear, when women have access to clean water and sanitation, they thrive, their families benefit, and entire communities prosper.
We all have a role to play in accelerating action for gender equality. Whether by donating funds, raising awareness, supporting initiatives, or advocating for policy changes, every action counts. Together, we can close the gender gap faster and build a future where every woman and girl have the opportunity to reach her full potential.