In the heart of the Zakhira slum community, the struggle for basic amenities is a constant battle for survival. The community was already living on the edge, but the water crisis of September 2022 pushed them to the brink. Women already bearing the brunt of household responsibilities had to take up the additional burden of fetching water from far distances for their families. The situation was dire, with people standing in long queues for hours to get a bucket of water. Children missed their classes, adults were getting late to work, and the whole community was suffering.
During a weekly meeting of Asha’s Mahila Mandal members at Asha Center, women decided they couldn’t sit back and watch their families suffer anymore. They created a plan of action and went to the MLA’s office to voice their concerns with a written application. At first, they faced many obstacles, but their determination never failed. They tirelessly followed up with the authorities and ensured their voices were heard loud and clear. Their hard work and persistence eventually paid off as the government responded by building new pipelines and revamping the broken ones.
Today, the Zakhira slum community has 18 water taps that provide clean, accessible drinking water. The sense of empowerment that comes from having this basic amenity is immeasurable. Women who once felt powerless and invisible are now leaders in their community, taking charge and spearheading change. This collective effort has solved the immediate water crisis and paved the way for better living conditions and a brighter future for the community. With the approaching summer months and fear of worsening water crises, these water taps will act as lifelines for the community. The women of Zakhira have proven their impact is felt far beyond their community when they come together. Asha’s Women Empowerment Programme has found positive and constructive expression resulting in a transformation of the locality and building a roadmap for the progress and development of the community.
