International Women’s Day: Meena leads her community

Meena harvesting crops, which were grown with water from our tap stands using a simple irrigation system.

Bringing clean water to a remote village in Nepal can be a mammoth challenge. There are many steps, from designing the water system and gathering the building materials, to constructing the piping and tap stands. However, the most important part of our water projects is getting the village community involved. We empower residents with education on sanitation and how to maintain their new water system, so they can enjoy the benefits for years to come.

On this International Women’s Day, we recognise the dedication of Meena Paudel Chhetri, who is the Chairwoman of one of our latest water projects in Jhimpa Gaon, a village in Nepal’s Baglung District. Meena helps educate other villagers about the importance of clean water, sanitation, and hand hygiene, and is a role model in her community.

Before our intervention, it was very difficult for Meena and other women in her village to find clean water to drink. There was no infrastructure established for a water supply, so she and other villagers were forced to collect water from unsafe sources.

When the GWT and UK Aid started planning the water project for Jhimpa Gaon, we sought volunteers from the community. Meena was the first to step up and take responsibility as Chairwoman. She encouraged others to partake in safeguarding and maintenance work training, and ensured the construction work was completed on time.

“Men always put their name forward in key decision-making roles in community activities,” said Meena. “The Trust suggested that women should also take part in leadership roles for the water project. Before arriving to the meeting, I had a conversation with my family and said that I wanted to be appointed as Chairwoman. My husband Ram was very supportive of my decision.

“During the meeting, I stood up and put my name forward. The community agreed, clapped and welcomed me. I was so happy, proud, and felt over the moon. This project was huge compared to my previous work. However, with the training provided by the GWT, I gained my confidence.”

The water project in Jhimpa Gaon benefits 253 people, with every household getting its own water tap stand. Now, everyone in the village has immediate access to safe water, 24 hours a day. We also built tap stands and toilet blocks for the local school, so that students could have access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.

Water tap stands and toilet blocks were also constructed for the local school.

“After the implementation of the GWT’s water project, everyone was happy,” said Meena. “Now people can manage household activities, animal husbandry and agriculture with the clean water. The community is satisfied and happy.

“My experience has helped to empower other women in the community. It has set a good example for all the children to contribute to the community’s development, especially the girls. We need to own the space and take on opportunities to lead and get experience. I loved the GWT’s approach, where women are given the chance to take the lead in decision-making.”

Meena with her family and their brand new tap stand.