The Women of Kipingi

On two of the days, a few of us went around Kipingi and some neighboring homes to talk one on one with the women who will be using the new water pump. Our guides and translators were three well-respected female Machicha school teachers. It was very important for me to hear the women's perspectives, especially without the pressure of their husbands in the room. In this environment, I was hoping the women would talk freely about the issues related to water as well as any other problems the community may have. Unfortunately, Kipingi is still an area where male chauvinism is common, and often women are not put into positions of power, or can freely share their ideas and opinions.

One objective of the Kipingi Water Project is to establish a water committee that will be responsible for collecting funds that will go towards any necessary repairs or maintenance costs, ensuring the pump is being used properly and fairly, and coming up with any solutions or improvements to the pump system that can benefit the community as a whole. We are requiring at least half of this committee to be women.

After visiting over 15 households, I have a better grasp of the character of these Kipingi women. They are strong, sensible, and sometimes a little stubborn when it comes to doing the work right and ON TIME. (Rick got a good talking to the last time he was in Kipingi) These qualities are perfect for project managers! They understand the importance of clean water and the need to properly maintain the new water system. With women in charge and responsible for the main aspects of the project, I am confident the money collected with go towards the right purpose and the community as a whole will benefit in the end.

One noticeable trend when visiting the different houses was that the women who were widowed had improved roofs, advanced water collection systems, and an overall better working household. Women tend to use money more responsibly and buy things that are most needed for their families. Julian Ria Gudo is an elderly woman who lost her husband and who's three children go to school outside of Kipingi. She is living by herself, but takes care of a very productive farm. More impressively, she has a metal roof equipped with gutters which attaches to a rain capturing system. This is one example out of many women who I have met that have shown the capability to improve the quality of life for themselves and their family. Imagine what they could do if they were responsible for the whole community?