MULTAN: To save thousands of people of flood affected areas in South Punjab from water-borne diseases, Friend Foundation initiated women empowerment project through Water Supply Scheme Muzaffar Garh funded by Asia Foundation and Aurat Foundation with the support of USIAD in the two union councils of Wan Pattfai and Ghazi Ghat in Muzaffagarh district.

The objective of the project was to empower the rural women of the flood effected areas on water, sanitation and hygiene issues and their capacity building. Friend Foundation has implemented this project in six months.

During this 680 potential women were trained on water, sanitation and hygiene related issues and now they are aware of their nearby community about the solution of these issues at household level; 10 Water scheme were rehabilitated.

Ten Water User committees were formed to see the rehabilitation of the water schemes and will be responsible for the future rehabilitation. One of them is now registered as a CCB with social welfare department.

Friend Foundation has implemented many projects in different areas of Pakistan with many donors like USAID, UN Habitat and Concern World Wide etc. Pre-KAP survey was conducted to know the knowledge, attitude and practices of the targeted area. The whole project aim to facilitate the women, especially of flood effected area to overcome their problems with regards to water, hygiene and sanitation. Although it is a small initiative, but the similar project can bring the change in the lives of the rural women

Source: Business Recorder

Date:7/21/2011