3.4.3 Women role models

Part of the AIRWASH project training was a visit by the couples to a nearby model community where women were already full participants in WASH decision making. This enabled them to see women in leadership positions, which was empowering for the female participants and informative for the men. Female role models give other women confidence to take on similar roles themselves because it encourages them to think ‘if she can do it, then so can I’. WASHCOs can provide examples of women role models where the female members of the committee take on the role of chairperson and not just the supporting roles of treasurer or secretary. Strong female role models may also be found among women in senior positions in government, business and other walks of life.