In Kanhegaon village of Shrirampur Block, access to drinking water had been a long-standing concern for women in the community. What changed was not the problem itself, but the way women came together to address it.

Through the WELEAD initiative, women from the village came together, discussed the issue and decided to take their concern to the Gram Panchayat. They submitted an application requesting the construction of a new water storage tank. The proposal was considered and sanctioned, and construction work is now underway.

For the women involved, this is more than the construction of a water tank. It is an example of what participation in local governance can look like when people have the confidence and support to raise issues that affect their everyday lives.

Water is often discussed as an infrastructure issue. But in rural communities, it is also closely connected to women’s daily lives. Women are frequently responsible for managing household water needs, and difficulties with access can affect the time they have for work, education and other activities.

The Kanhegaon experience shows why women’s participation in village-level decision-making matters. When women are able to identify a problem, collectively voice their concerns and engage with local institutions, they can influence decisions that directly affect their families and communities.

WELEAD, implemented by Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra with support from Don Bosco Mondo and BMZ, works to strengthen women’s leadership, confidence and participation in local governance.

The water tank in Kanhegaon is still under construction. But the process that led to it is already an important outcome: women came together, raised a demand and saw their voices translate into action.