Taking matters into your own hands for better access to water: the story of Magreth Augustino

Story: Ilkirevi, Tanzania

When Magreth Augustino, as the only woman on the water committee, failed to get the interests of women and girls on the agenda, she took matters into her own hands. Thanks to her, two hundred households now have access to water. And she is not done yet.

Margreth Augustino: "I was the only woman on the committee. I tried my best to speak about the challenges women face on water, but most were ignored." Photo: Athumani Matata

Magreth Augustino (47) lives in Ilkirevi in Olturoto ward in Tanzania. She is a hard worker with heart for her community. She grows crops, raises chickens, sells eggs, is married and has two children. Many households in the region suffer from a lack of water. Therefore, women and girls are often out for hours a day to fetch water far outside the village. "Even elderly people have to do this. This situation hurts me." As a result, when women were encouraged to become active in local water committees in the Simavi-supported WASH & Learn project, she stood for election in 2019. And she won.

Don't give up

"I was the only woman on the committee. I tried my best to speak about the challenges women face on water, but most were ignored", Magreth says. She did not give up. Instead of running for re-election in 2021, she used her resilience, knowledge and savings to dig a well for women in her community. The well is to be used for free.

"I know the economic situation of people in this community. There are people who don't have enough money to pay for water." Therefore, Magreth paid the cost of repairing the well and all other expenses herself. Five kilometers away is where she grows her crops. There, too, people struggle with lack of water, she noticed. "In December, I want to make water available there too," she says.

Margreth: "I know the economic situation of people in this community. There are people who don't have enough money to pay for water." Photo: Athumani Matata

Inspire

Women should have more say over water, believes Magreth, who hopes to inspire others. "Women only stand a chance of solving water problems in the community if they are part of decision-making on water, starting at a local level."

Magreth Augustino shares her story and vision.

WASH Learn & Share programme

The WASH Learn & Share programme serves as a follow-up to the WASH & Learn programme in Uganda. More than half of all schools in Uganda lack adequate toilet and water facilities. For girls in particular, this means they regularly miss school. With this programme, we are working to improve health, education and well-being for all.