From Absence to Advocate: Natasha's Journey

Natasha Mugala is 14 years old, is in the 9th grade at Kamanga Primary School in Zambia, and is anything but someone who gives up easily. Today, she is an active member of her school's Menstrual Health Management Club. She speaks openly and without shame about the topic of menstruation – even in front of her male classmates. Most importantly, she no longer misses a single day of school.

What brought about this positive change? Together with our partners from BORDA Zambia and soulbottles • products with soul GmbH, we implemented our WASH'n'soul project at Natasha's school. We built new toilets with their own washing area, launched comprehensive educational programs for girls and boys, and provided a hygiene kit with reusable sanitary pads.

"With the reusable pads, I feel comfortable even when I am at school and have my period. I don't have to miss classes anymore." – Natasha

In this context, a safe toilet, a sink, and clean water simply mean: education is possible once again.

Why we talk about water on International Women's Day

Water and gender equality are inextricably linked. In seven out of ten households without safe access to water, it is women and girls who must fetch the water. Worldwide, this work adds up to an unimaginable 200 million hours daily. These are hours in which girls are not sitting in school, not learning, and cannot just be children. Furthermore, the path to the nearest water source is often not only long but also dangerous.

Currently, 335 million girls attend schools without water and without soap. There is no safe place and no privacy during menstruation. The logical consequence: many of them stay at home. But this is not an unchangeable fate, but a solvable problem.

Water is Community: Together for true equality

What is special about the project that has sustainably changed Natasha's school is our holistic approach: it involves the entire community. At Viva con Agua, we are firmly convinced: WATER IS COMMUNITY.

It is not just about building infrastructure, and it is not just about educating the girls affected. A central key to success was actively involving the boys in the process.

"Involving the boys was a very good idea. It broke down myths and prejudices – for both girls and boys. When boys understand what girls go through, they become more supportive."

This inclusive approach is bearing fruit. Today, some boys at Natasha's school actively advocate for the girls. They have transformed from passive observers into true allies. This is how true equality is created – through shared understanding and a joyful, supportive togetherness.

ALL IN FOR WATER: Water is Future

On International Women's Day, we rightly demand more visibility, more representation, and more rights for women. All of this is essential. But sometimes, equality begins in a very pragmatic and concrete way: with a functioning sink, a safe toilet, and clean drinking water that is simply there – as naturally as it has long been for us. Water is education. Water is equal opportunity. Water is the future.