Access to clean water is a basic necessity many of us take for granted. Yet, this is a harsh reality for more than a fourth of the population. While the lack of clean drinking water affects both genders, the women often bear the burden of trekking long distances to fetch water. They collectively spend around 200 million hours a day on this task. However, the provision of clean water has the potential to transform lives, offering hope and optimism for a better future.

Additionally, a lack of clean water can cause water-related illnesses and promote poor sanitation. These issues prevent children from having the resources and ability to attend school and receive an education. In some countries, such as Malawi, UNICEF reported that on average, women spend 54 minutes collecting water, and men spend six minutes. The journey to collect water can often be dangerous or long, especially in intense heat or cold. On top of cooking, cleaning, and caring for children, collecting water is just another job that takes away from the education of young girls. With access to clean water, typical duties placed on girls are made much more accessible, allowing more time for school and independent endeavors.

Founders Story

Megan Hayes and Kimberly Reilly, two women who desire to contribute something through their passion project, founded Everybody Water. The two women are good friends and neighbors who have become business partners. While the organization started its charity work within the community, the company’s efforts quickly expanded past that. When asked why they started the charity, both women expressed their strong desire to have a social impact past their entrepreneurial goals.

Not only does the organization provide clean water, but it also empowers girls and women to pursue education. Reilly says, “Do not underestimate how big of an impact you can have – think big.” Hayes mentions, “Find a way to have giving back be a part of your work, it feels good when you can help others.”

Helping Women in Honduras

Everybody Water contributes 3% of its annual gross revenue to fund clean water and sanitation infrastructure projects, providing homes with running water, sinks, showers and toilets. Its first initiative was in Honduras, where it implemented a 10-mile pipe to run into the village and supply water to people. One woman says, “I had 14 children, raised them with only a gourd on my head. I have been to the water hole every day since I was born, until today.”

Additionally, Reilly speaks about the community’s contribution to the project. Everybody Water helps plan and build the water sources, providing jobs for the men in the village. Furthermore, they are not only providing a water source but also giving hope to these communities. One villager speaks about how, before the water source, there was no school or kindergarten. Now, she says, everything looks different. It is a new environment.

The organization’s impact inspires many and motivates entrepreneurs, showing that it is possible to achieve goals while also giving back. Reilly and Hayes’s social impact in these countries will make a considerable difference in improving the education opportunities and independence of young girls living in these villages.

– Sofia Hattiangadi

Sofia is based in New York City, NY, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr