“Water for Women, Women for Water” campaign was launched under the flagship scheme of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation by the Department of Urban Development, Himachal Pradesh Shimla on a unique initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. This three-day campaign, “Jal Diwali” will start from November 7 and continue till November 9.
Water for women, purpose of water for women campaign
The campaign aims to provide a platform to involve women in water governance systems. They will be provided with first-hand information about water treatment processes through visits to Water Treatment Plants (WTP) in their respective cities. The plant visits will give them an opportunity to see firsthand the critical processes used to deliver clean and safe drinking water to homes. Additionally, women will have access to information about water quality testing protocols that ensure that citizens have access to water of the required quality. The overarching goal of this campaign is to develop a sense of ownership and belonging among women towards water infrastructure.
There are more than 3,000 water treatment plants in India, with constructed water treatment capacity of more than 65,000 MLD and operational capacity of more than 55,000 MLD. During this campaign, women self-help groups (SHGs) will visit more than 550 water treatment plants, whose combined operational capacity is more than 20,000 MLD (more than 35 percent of the total capacity of the country).
Role of women in domestic water management:
Women play an important role in domestic water management. By empowering women by providing them with information on water treatment and infrastructure, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs aims to enhance their capacity to ensure access to safe and clean drinking water for their households
In the first phase of Jal Diwali, Water for Women, Women for Water campaign across all States/UTs (except 5 States under Model Code of Conduct) with expected participation of more than 15,000 Self Help Group women across the country. The campaign is being implemented In which women will have main participation.
The major areas of this campaign are as follows:
- To acquaint women with the working of water treatment plants and water testing facilities
- To promote inclusivity and participation of women through souvenirs and items manufactured by women self-help groups.
- To inform and educate women about AMRUT scheme and water infrastructure
The expected outcomes of this campaign include increased awareness and knowledge about water treatment, enhanced sense of ownership and responsibility, promotion of inclusivity, empowerment of Self Help Groups, positive community impact and models for future initiatives.