Women leading the way

Determined to change their reality, the four women stepped forward and took on leadership roles in the community-driven project.

Wehdah, as the administrative officer, played a key role in developing the resilience plan for her community, ensuring that the project addressed both immediate and long-term needs. “We faced many challenges along the way, but I stayed focused on the bigger picture: ensuring that our community would finally have access to clean, reliable water,” she shared.

Hayat raised awareness about the importance of the project and rallied community support. “It wasn’t just about the water; it was about showing that women can be leaders and problem solvers.”

Najat coordinated with community members and stakeholders, ensuring everyone’s voices were heard. “I wanted this to be a project that brought everyone together, especially the women who felt forgotten in decision-making,” she said.

Rawda represented the voices of women and families, ensuring their unique needs were prioritized. “This was not just a project; it was a lifeline for our children and future generations,” 

Together, they oversaw the construction of a 5,000-cubic-meter water tank and the installation of a solar-powered pumping system.
 

Water access benefits the whole community. 

The results of the project have been life changing. Today, over 3,500 households have reliable access to clean water. The solar-powered system eliminated the need for expensive diesel pumps, saving the community an estimated 80 million Yemeni Rials per month in fuel costs. The cost of water for families has dropped by 45%, making it affordable for even the most vulnerable households.

Women, who previously spent hours fetching water, now have time to spend with their families, pursue education, or engage in income-generating activities. Girls who once dropped out of school to help fetch water are now returning to their classrooms.