She’s STEM Foundation, with support from Cargill (Telcar Cocoa) and GWC, recently launched the SaWECO Project Phase II with a dynamic kick-off workshop aimed at strengthening Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) systems in local communities. The initiative, driven by a commitment to gender inclusion, community ownership, and sustainable health, marked a significant step forward in addressing essential WASH challenges in the region.
Held with the participation of key stakeholders and community leaders, the workshop served as a collaborative platform to align on goals, timelines, and roles. One of the most impactful outcomes was the proposal to unify existing WASH committees into a single, streamlined structure, with a clear mandate: 50% of leadership roles to be held by women. This move reflects a deep commitment to empowering women and ensuring equitable representation in decision-making processes.
Another key decision was the emphasis on volunteerism to fill key roles within the new WASH structure, highlighting the project’s grassroots spirit and long-term vision for community-led development.
The Country Coordinator of She’s STEM Foundation underscored the importance of active community engagement and urged all parties to meet upcoming milestones:
- Site selection for WASH facility construction
- Updated lists of WASH committee members are to be submitted no later than June 30, 2024.
Community representatives echoed this message, stressing the need for collaboration, transparency, and leveraging existing community structures to ensure success. Hygiene education was also spotlighted as a foundational element for lasting public health improvements.
The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from She’s STEM Foundation, Cargill (Telcar Cocoa), GWC, local chiefs from Mandjock, Endengue, Sonke, and Oveng, the mayors of Mvangan and Botmakaka, sub-divisional officers, presidents of cocoa cooperatives, women leaders, and other community group representatives.
As the SaWECO project moves forward, this collaborative and inclusive approach sets a strong foundation for meaningful, community-owned WASH improvements.
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