New Delhi, Sept 9: Global nonprofit organization Water For People has released their inaugural fashion film, aiming to shed light on the global water crisis and its significant impact on women and girls. Shot in the Chikhaldara block of Maharashtra, India, the film highlights the daily journey undertaken by local women and girls from the Korku tribe, who traverse the same path up to six times a day, carrying water jugs as their essential accessory.
This cinematic portrayal underscores the stark contrast between the picturesque rural Indian landscape and the arduous daily routine faced by women and girls in their quest for safe water.
"The film is a testament to the efforts of women and girls across the globe who are walking tirelessly to ensure water is available for their households. In India, due to the concerted efforts of the Government of India, through the flagship program of Jal Jeevan Mission, more than 12 crore rural households have tap water at home, thereby reducing the stress on women and girls. With the civil society organisations complementing the work of the national and state governments, will hopefully ensure that the walk for water will end completely very soon,” said Bishwadeep Ghose, Country Director, Water For People India.
Water For People's work in India, in collaboration with local authorities, focuses on 50 villages in the Amravati district, with an emphasis on providing safe water and sanitation services to historically marginalized populations, including low-caste and tribal communities.
Globally, 2.2 billion people lack access to safe water, and 3.5 billion lack access to sanitation. This often-overlooked crisis places a significant burden on women, who collectively spend 200 million hours daily collecting water. This responsibility falls on women and girls of all ages, even when they are unwell, pregnant, menstruating, or lacking proper sanitation facilities.
Katherine Williford, Chief Growth Officer at Water For People, stated, "The film reflects the current realities and obstacles women and girls face in their journey to collect water, drawing attention to the fact that the water crisis disproportionately impacts women, including their schooling, physical safety, health, and economic opportunity."
Williford added that the film's launch, coinciding with New York Fashion Week, aims to capture the attention of global audiences and highlight the intersection of water, sanitation, hygiene, and gender equality. It also showcases the broader mission of Water For People in providing communities with sustainable access to safe water and sanitation services.
Here is the video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBiI3d4jJDA
Water For People initiated its work in India in 1996 and established a locally registered branch in 2008. Over the years, the organization has positively impacted more than 1.5 million people in India by providing reliable water and sanitation services.
The campaign, symbolized by the hashtag #runwayforwater, emphasizes that no young girl or woman should have to endure this journey for water.
