International Women’s Day 2026

On International Women’s Day 2026, with the UN motto “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” we are putting the spotlight on the women who carry out and transform our projects in Ethiopia. In rural areas, they are responsible for water transport, care work, and agriculture – often without pay, without a say, and with limited access to education.

With our projects “Becoming stronger together” (2023–2025) and “Water donkeys and income through vegetable cultivation” (2025–2026), we are working with our partner Facilitator for Change to show how access to water, self-help groups, and income-generating measures can break down these structures. In “Stronger Together,” two springs were tapped, two shallow wells were drilled, water committees with women’s participation were established, 200 water donkeys were distributed, and 45 self-help groups with 460 women were founded.

The women learn to save money together, keep simple accounts, grant small loans, and earn their own income by growing vegetables, raising animals, or using energy-saving cooking stoves. Many report shorter distances to water, fewer sick days in the family, more regular school attendance by their children, and a noticeable gain in self-confidence and rights to have a say.

The ongoing project “Water donkeys and income through vegetable cultivation” builds on this: 200 women are to receive a water donkey each, a total of 25 self-help groups with 500 women are being supported, and over 100 kilograms of seeds, watering cans, and hoes are helping them to set up small vegetable gardens and alternative sources of income such as chicken farming.

Making the heavy burden of fetching water easier creates time and space for education, economic independence, and greater equality for women in their villages.

These successes are only possible thanks to the solidarity of many supporters and the local women who are joining forces and shaping their own future.

On International Women’s Day 2026, we say: Where water flows, equality grows – help ensure that even more women and girls benefit from safe water, education, and their own income.