Women in rural Eastern Kenya have many people depending on them. They are the carers for their children, the main breadwinners, homemakers and are responsible for all the domestic chores. None of the families have their own natural collection of water. They walk an average of 20km a day to collect contaminated water in huge 20 litre containers to provide a drink for their children. There are always long queues at collection points when the season is dry and the water available is expensive, costing 50 Kenyan Shillings which is more than half of the daily wage.

The women in this photo are collecting water for their animals from an earthdam. This water is very salty, muddy and dirty so it serves the for watering animals, making bricks and cooking. Life is relentlessly hard for these women physically, financially and emotionally.

Please support our work by donating every month to provide access to clean, safe water for these communities that will enable women to break the cycle of poverty and have a brighter future. A little amount can change lives. www.speak31.org.uk/donate