“We are taking lead to manage our homes. We are taking lead to manage our water users’ committees. Now, it is time to take a lead role to manage our country!” says Khagisara Ale, Chairperson of Dhuskhala Dumai Drinking Water Supply Scheme. Khagisara Ale participated in a two days confidence building training organized by the District WASH Unit of Syangja for female Water Users and Sanitation Committee (WUSC) members of Alamdevi VDC. With her statement she wanted to encourage fellow female participants of the training to go ahead and stand up for local elections which are being held on May 13, 2017 (Baishakh 31, 2074). The election date was announced by the Nepal Government in its long and difficult transition to democracy over 20 years time span. The training was organized to empower and to build confidence among the female WUSC members to perform their roles and responsibilities as active citizens.

RWSSP-WN II aims at the equal provision of women and men in the WUSCs, women holding at least one vital position (Chairperson, Secretary or Treasurer). However, with little knowledge and low self-esteem women are facing difficulties to put forward their views and ideas and to address them meaningfully in their communities. The training was organized to remove their hesitation and to boost their confidence.

Participants of the confidence building training

In the following video, Ms. Sita Rana Magar, Treasurer of Jaruwa Drinking Water Supply Scheme of Alamdevi VDC sings a song in which she urges all her friends to treat women as equals rather than subordinates to men. She sings: “Why ladies first? Because women are not less capable than men and are able to perform better than men can do. Why all productive roles are taken by men and unproductive roles are left for women? Women do fasting, worship and perform all the rituals, but priests are male. Women cook food at home and male chefs dominate cooking in the restaurants and hotels. Women do washing at home whereas professional washers are men. Women have been carrying water since their childhood but the maintenance role of water schemes is given to male village maintenance workers? We will be bold and take a lead!"

Ms. Sita Rana Magar sings to encourage women

RWSSP-WN II wants to wish everyone happy International Women's Day 2017! The theme of the year is #BeBoldForChange. We are bold for the positive changes our everyday work for clean water and sanitation brings into women’s lives!