Empowering Women Through Safe Water: Celebrating International Women’s Day in Lango, Uganda.

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience, strength, and empowerment of women worldwide. This years’ theme Accelerate Action “emphasises the urgent need to expedite progress towards gender equality, highlighting that at the current rate, it will take until 2158 to achieve full gender parity.”  

At CO2balance, our Safe Water Project in Lango, Uganda, exemplifies this call to action by providing reliable access to clean water, thereby advancing Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5): Gender Equality. Notably in 2020, this project received the first-ever Gender Responsive Certification from Gold Standard, recognising its significant impact on empowering women and fostering gender equality in the region. The data gathered by CO2balance reveals significant strides in addressing gender disparities through this project: 

• The local Water Resource Committee now comprises 47% women and 53% men, showcasing a more balanced representation. 

• The project has successfully decreased incidents of domestic violence associated with water collection from 35% to 1%. 

• Every surveyed water user report utilising the time saved for domestic tasks, with 99% engaging in income generating activities and 94% participating in social or leisure pursuits. 

• Every surveyed water user reported utilising the time saved for domestic tasks (including cooking and caring for family members: 100%, income generating activities: 99%, religious activities: 94%, social and leisure activities: 93%, voluntary activities: 73%, and education and training: 49% 

Empowering gender equality: first gold standard “gender responsive” carbon credits issued. 

Lango Safe Water Project: 

Since 2013, CO2balance has been committed to increasing access to safe water in Northern Uganda through the rehabilitation of boreholes. The Lango Safe Water Project, one of our largest projects, has rehabilitated 163 boreholes between 2016 and 2019 across the districts of Alebtong, Dokolo, Otuke, and Kole. This project not only provides clean water but also contributes to sustainable development by reducing reliance on wood fuel for water purification, thereby lowering carbon emissions. 

The impact of the Lango Safe Water Project is evident through the lives of women it has positively impacted. Fiona, and Harriet describe how safe, clean water positively impacted their lives through enhanced safety, strengthened families and economic growth. 

Fiona Mercy Akullu: 

For Fiona Mercy Akullu from the Alebtong District, the project has been life changing. As a farmer she relies heavily on water for her business of making “Mandazi” from fresh cassava. Having a nearby water source has not only enhanced her business but also ensured her safety. As she no longer has to travel long distances to collect water, Fiona feels protected from potential risks such as assault or bullying at overcrowded water points. Moreover, financial independence has given her a stronger voice in her home, reinforcing her role as an equal partner in decision-making. 

Being able to have a daily source of income without having to solely depend on my husband has highly improved my life, I am able to afford every basic need of mine and that of my children…” “My children and I spend our free time making “Mandazi” for sale in a daily market near home, cooking, farming and even playing and bonding.