Table of Contents
- 1 1. Nigeria’s solar groundwater
- 2 2. Uganda’s ‘Manure App’
- 3 3. Women’s toilet construction cooperative in Malawi
- 4 4. Recycle discarded water packaging into fashion
- 5 5. Addressing stigma around the menstrual cycle in Rwanda
- 6 **How can the examples of women-led change highlighted in this article inspire and encourage other communities across Africa to address their own local challenges?**
photo captionOnyedikachi Erete uses solar-powered groundwater to provide water to rural Nigeria
59 minutes ago
Water, sanitation and cleanliness are essential to the well-being of billions of people, especially Africa’s rapidly growing populations. In 2023, the BBC reported on people and communities solving these problems through innovative solutions and ideas. This content was produced with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
1. Nigeria’s solar groundwater
According to the United Nations, approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water.
Clean water not only provides health and economic benefits, it also plays a critical role in helping communities thrive and promoting gender equality. Since women and girls are often responsible for fetching water, a reliable water supply allows them to focus more on their work and education.
Geologist Onyedikachi Erete is revolutionizing water access in rural Nigeria with solar-powered groundwater.
Operating in areas where electricity is expensive or non-existent, Erete’s solar groundwater solves the problem of water scarcity in a sustainable way.
Each groundwater reservoir can provide water for up to 20,000 people, and although it is in its early stages, it has so far provided clean water to more than 70,000 Nigerians.
2. Uganda’s ‘Manure App’
image captionEunice Namirembe develops an app for a toilet cleaning truck service
Lack of effective sanitation infrastructure causes environmental pollution and threatens the health and well-being of communities.
The majority of residents in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, are not connected to the sewer system, but an app called Weyonje is helping residents order toilet cleaning trucks and receive service quickly.
Developed by urban management expert Eunice Namirembe, the app is based on open source principles and can be freely adopted by other regions.
3. Women’s toilet construction cooperative in Malawi
image captionIn central Malawi, these women use bricks to build specially designed ‘corbel-style’ toilets
The majority of Malawi’s rural population does not have access to efficient toilet facilities, leading to unhygienic practices such as open defecation.
It also causes local pollution and poses health risks to nearby residents.
Women’s cooperatives in Choma, central Malawi, have mastered the art of building specially designed ‘corbel’ toilets using bricks.
These toilets are located a safe distance from the home and water source and are stronger and more durable than traditional toilets to prevent contamination. It is also less vulnerable to flooding.
The cooperative’s efforts have led to a reduction in waterborne diseases in the area and the women have also gained valuable skills.
4. Recycle discarded water packaging into fashion
Photo captionAurama Kena Asiedu runs a recycling business that transforms plastic pollution into fashion items.
Extreme weather caused by climate change has increased flooding in many areas.
In the Dome district of Accra, Ghana, local drains are blocked, allowing water, waste and even human waste to enter homes.
Plastic water packaging is considered one of the main causes of this problem.
Now a group of women collects these wrappers, washes them and recycles them into bags.
This project helps the environment while providing jobs in an area with high unemployment.
It started from the idea of Aurama Kena Asiedu, CEO of Ramaplast recycling business, which has been converting plastic pollution into fashion items since 2019.
5. Addressing stigma around the menstrual cycle in Rwanda
Photo caption: A school in Rwanda produced a radio drama to promote open discussion about the menstrual cycle.
Stigma and shame around the menstrual cycle still exist in many countries, and according to the World Bank, some African students miss up to 20% of their classes or exams due to lack of facilities.
Students at GS Ntarama School in Rwanda tackled this problem head-on.
They formed the WSH (Water, Sanitation and Cleanliness) Club and produced radio dramas to encourage open discussion about menstruation.
The program drew donations that helped build the facility with a safe space for students, new bathrooms, showers, and beds for the girls to rest on.
Thanks to this private space, more students are staying in school and the idea is being adopted in other parts of Rwanda.
**How can the examples of women-led change highlighted in this article inspire and encourage other communities across Africa to address their own local challenges?**
This article highlights inspiring examples of women leading positive change in Africa. Here’s a breakdown with open-ended questions to spark discussion:
**1. Access to Sanitation: Malawi’s Corbel Toilets**
* **Key Topic:** Innovative solutions to sanitation challenges in rural communities.
* **Questions:**
* How can the success of women’s cooperatives in Malawi be replicated in other African countries facing similar sanitation issues?
* What are the challenges and benefits of traditional vs. innovative sanitation solutions like corbel toilets?
* How do improved sanitation practices impact overall community health and well-being beyond reducing waterborne diseases?
**2. Recycling and Fashion: Ghana’s Plastic Transformation**
* **Key Topic:** Turning waste into valuable resources through sustainable practices.
* **Questions:**
* How can initiatives like Ramaplast be scaled up to have a broader impact on plastic pollution in Ghana and beyond?
* What are the economic and environmental benefits of promoting a circular economy approach to plastic waste?
* What role can fashion and design play in raising awareness about environmental issues and driving change?
**3. Breaking the Stigma: Rwandan School Tackles Menstruation**
* **Key Topic:** Addressing taboos and ensuring safe spaces for girls’ education.
* **Questions:**
* What are the broader societal implications of menstrual stigma, and how can education and open dialog help dismantle these barriers?
* How can schools and communities create supportive environments for girls during menstruation to ensure they have equal access to education?
* What innovative solutions can be implemented to provide affordable and sustainable menstrual hygiene products in low-resource settings?
**Thematic Interview Sections:**
You could structure an interview with experts or community members following these themes:
1. **Innovation and DIY Solutions:** Focus on the ingenuity behind the corbel toilets and the plastic recycling project
2. **Empowering Women:** Explore the role of women in leading these initiatives and the impact on their lives and communities.
3. **Tackling Societal Issues:** Delve deeper into the stigma around menstruation, its consequences, and the success of the Rwandan school’s approach.
4. **Sustainability and the Future:** Discuss the long-term sustainability of these projects and the broader implications for addressing climate change and development challenges in Africa.
