EMPOWERING RURAL WOMEN THROUGH WASH AWARENESS

A STEP TOWARDS HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES - PANSORA

In June 2025, Jag Prakash Kanya Chatralay, Pansora, under the dynamic leadership of Sr. Shaila D’Monte, conducted a series of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) awareness and training programs for Self-Help Group (S.H.G.) women across three villages: Megava, Ardi Nagarrei, and Parvata. These sessions aimed to empower women with knowledge about the importance of personal hygiene, child health, clean water, and sanitation practices essential for healthy living.

The training series began on 16th June 2025 in Megava village, where 25 women actively participated. The session opened with a prayer and welcome, setting a warm and engaging tone. Sr. Shaila D’Monte explained the concept and significance of WASH, highlighting how clean water, good sanitation, and proper hygiene practices directly impact health and well-being. Ms. Sangeeta Parmar further stressed the women’s role in maintaining cleanliness at home and in the community.On the same day, another session was held in Ardi Nagarrei village, with an even larger gathering of 65 women. Building on the earlier session, Sr. Shaila

D’Monte once again emphasized the importance of WASH, followed by Ms. Sangeeta Parmar’s talk on personal and environmental hygiene. Additionally, Mr. Julius Khristi demonstrated the harmful effects of waste disposal in open areas by showing short videos on how improper waste management damages both the environment and public health. This visual approach helped the women connect more deeply with the topic.     

 The final session took place on 17th June 2025 in Parvata village, with 45 women attending. As with the previous sessions, the training began with a prayer and introduction. The resource persons, Sr. Shaila D’Monte and Ms. Sangeeta Parmar, guided the women through interactive discussions on hygiene, sanitation, and the care of children’s health.

Across all three villages, the sessions concluded with group discussions, where participants actively shared their thoughts, asked questions, and discussed practical ways to implement what they had learned in their daily lives. The enthusiasm and eagerness of the women to learn and take responsibility for their health and environment were truly inspiring.

These WASH training programs, conducted under the continued guidance of Sr. Shaila D’Monte, were highly appreciated by all participants. They not only increased awareness but also strengthened the women’s role as change-makers in their families and communities, promoting better health, cleanliness, and care for the environment.