More than 10,000 people, especially women and children in areas regularly affected by drought and saltwater intrusion in Ninh Thuan and Ca Mau, have had better access to clean water and improved livelihoods thanks to the “Water is Life” project.
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| The “Water is Life” project has provided essential water facilities to more than 1,500 women, 10 schools and health stations, benefiting more than 10,000 people in Ca Mau and Ninh Thuan. (Source: UN Women) |
Under the coordination of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the Women's Unions of Ca Mau and Ninh Thuan provinces, in 2024-2025, the "Water is Life" project provided essential water equipment to more than 1,500 women, 10 schools and health stations, benefiting more than 10,000 people.
The initiative also helped build the capacity of 60 local communities to proactively respond to the impacts of drought and saltwater intrusion. In addition, the project promoted sustainable measures to protect livelihoods and improve the quality of life through communication on prevention and response to gender-based violence.
Globally, women are most severely affected by climate change due to their role in securing food, water and energy. According to UN Women, 80% of households without piped water rely on women and girls to collect water, exposing them to health risks and gender-based violence.
In Vietnam, natural disasters caused by climate change are on the rise, with 40% of the Mekong Delta affected by saltwater intrusion and more than 1.5 million people facing water shortages every year. Women, already economically disadvantaged, are among those who suffer the most.
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| The 'Water is Life' project is a very meaningful model in empowering women economically. (Source: UN Women) |
By ensuring a stable water supply, the “Water is Life” project helps to improve the resilience of vulnerable women (poor, near-poor, disabled, single, with serious illnesses, raising children under 18 months old...), helping them to stabilize their livelihoods and support their families. The project has distributed quality water tanks, water filtration systems and water-saving irrigation equipment, while promoting sustainable water management practices.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Yen in Tran Van Thoi town, Ca Mau shared: “Our family used to face many difficulties due to lack of water, forced to buy water or use unsafe water sources. Thanks to this support, our lives have changed significantly with clean water and stable livelihoods.”
Ms. To Thi Nhu Nga, a beneficiary in Thuan Nam, Ninh Thuan, said: “Thanks to this initiative, we have been able to install additional water pipes and drip irrigation systems, ensuring a stable water source for the vegetable garden and fruit trees.”
At the closing ceremony in Ninh Thuan, project beneficiaries, local leaders, representatives of UN Women, the Embassy of Japan and the Vietnam Women's Union jointly acknowledged the achievements and lessons learned from this initiative.
Mr. Sasaki Shohei, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Vietnam emphasized the long-term benefits of the project: “This year the world celebrates the 30th anniversary of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The Water is Life project is a very meaningful model in economic empowerment for women.”
Speaking at the event, UN Women Representative in Viet Nam Caroline Nyamayemombe stressed the need for further action: “Water scarcity, drought and saltwater intrusion will continue. However, the solutions developed through this initiative will provide a solid foundation for scaling up similar interventions in other vulnerable areas.”
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| The project distributed quality water tanks, water filtration systems and water-saving irrigation equipment, while promoting sustainable water management practices. (Source: UN Women) |
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/cai-thien-kha-nang-tiep-can-nuoc-sach-va-sinh-ke-cua-hon-10000-nguoi-tai-ninh-thuan-va-ca-mau-304957.html
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