Empowerment of local women has changed the lives of Uma and other women from Sembakkam

Support from Friends of India helped to empower the women of Sembakkam. Each day the women spent hours on a single chore – the collection of water to meet family needs. Without piped water, the village women walked long distances and waited in line to fill empty containers and carry them home.

After the empowerment training provided by Friends of India’s partner, SUEB, the women formed a self-help group and learned more about their rights and how to organize. With newly gained confidence and knowledge, they petitioned local authorities and in several months water was piped into their village.