Key Lessons Learned

Implementing Water by Women in remote hill districts required constant adjustment. Conditions on the ground could not always be predicted at the design stage, but each challenge became a learning opportunity. By adapting to these realities, the project not only stayed on track but also delivered stronger, more sustainable systems.

Women’s participation in technical planning increases ownership Women were initially underrepresented in technical decisions, yet their input proved crucial. When women participated in selecting tap-stand sites, satisfaction with the schemes rose, and women took greater responsibility for upkeep. The project ensured women were included in feasibility studies and design discussions, turning participation into practical ownership.

Strong Partnership with Local Government
Regular coordination with municipalities kept schemes aligned with government priorities and secured cost-sharing. Joint monitoring created shared responsibility and ensured that local governments now see the systems as their own — an important guarantee of long-term sustainability.

Financial Systems that Last
Each scheme has its own Operation and Maintenance (O&M) fund, built from small monthly contributions from households. These funds are already paying for repairs, spare parts, and the salaries of Village Maintenance Workers (VMWs). Because the money is raised locally, committees no longer have to wait for outside support to fix small issues.

In a rare step for rural water projects, all ten schemes were also insured against natural disasters. This safety net means that if a flood, landslide, or earthquake damages infrastructure, communities can recover quickly without falling back on donors.

Public audits and transparent recordkeeping give every household a chance to see how their contributions are used, building trust and accountability.