In the heart of Bau village, nestled deep within the rugged mountains of Bau province, my name is Zainab Jajan Shikan. At 36 years old, I am a mother of four, and my life is a testament to resilience and hope. You see, I am married and deeply rooted in my community, where I strive to strike a delicate balance between caring for my family and undertaking the arduous task of making charcoal from wood collections. This occupation serves as a primary means of livelihood for many in our village.
My daily routine goes beyond the sheer toil of charcoal making. It involves embarking on a journey that takes me on a relentless trek lasting an hour and a half to Bau dam, our village’s primary water source. This is no ordinary walk; it is a daring expedition fraught with risks, traversing treacherous terrains, all for the sake of securing this crucial resource. Every step I take is a stark reminder of the hardships endured by countless individuals in our community who struggle to access even the most necessities. Yet, I persevere, driven by an unwavering strength deep within my soul.
Amidst these challenges, a burning desire to make a difference in my community fuels my spirit, particularly when it comes to improving access to clean water. Eager to acquire the knowledge and skills required to maintain and repair hand pumps—an invaluable asset in our village—I approached the community leader, seeking an opportunity to attend a training workshop on hand pump rehabilitation. Sadly, my initial request went unanswered, leaving my aspirations hanging in the balance.
However, a glimmer of hope emerged when ADRA Sudan, through the RAWA- USAID funded project, called for nominations for a Water Users Committee (WUC) training. Seizing this golden opportunity, I expressed my unwavering enthusiasm to participate in the five-day workshop held in Fadameia village. The workshop, focused on water resources management and technical rehabilitation, was a beacon of hope—a chance to transform my life and the lives of others.
Armed with spare parts kits generously provided by ADRA, I returned to my village not just as a participant but as a harbinger of change. The workshop had ignited a fire within me, imbuing me with a newfound sense of purpose and empowerment. I stood tall, ready to contribute alongside the esteemed members of the WUC, applying my fresh knowledge to restore and revive the defective hand pumps in my village and beyond.
But my mission extended beyond the realm of repair work. I became a fierce advocate for water resource awareness, tirelessly educating my community about the vital importance of preserving our life-sustaining source. My story serves as a vivid illustration of how empowerment and education can equip individuals like me (as women) to effect tangible change in our communities. My journey from a concerned citizen to an empowered community leader is a narrative steeped in resilience, hope, and the transformative power of support and education. It underscores the indispensable role of projects like RAWA, which go beyond addressing immediate needs and instead foster sustainable development by empowering individuals like me.
My story is not mine along; it echos the stories of countless women across the globe who, when given the opportunity, can become instrumental in shaping the future of their communities. I would like to express my gratitude to the ADRA-USAID project for prioritizing gender equality in the design of its activities. Thank you for recognizing the importance of inclusivity and ensuring that women and men have equal opportunities to participate and benefit from the project’s initiatives.
So, as I stand here today, proud of my accomplishments and the positive impact I have made, I urge you to remember that within every person lies the potential for greatness. All it takes is a spark of empowerment, and the world can be forever changed.
This is my story, and it is one of triumph over adversity, a tale of hope that continues to unfold each day.