Water is a fundamental necessity for life, yet in many regions around the world, it is not easily accessible. This creates a daily struggle known as the “walk to water,” a task often shouldered by women and girls. This responsibility prevents them from pursuing education, generating income, and following their aspirations, as they spend the majority of their time fetching water for their households and communities.
Enter the female-led company, Everybody Water, founded by Sarah Collins and Emily Torres. Their mission is to change the narrative surrounding water accessibility. By focusing on clean water initiatives in developing nations, they aim to liberate women and girls from the burden of water collection, allowing them to pursue education and employment opportunities. “Time is our most valuable asset,” Sarah emphasized in an interview. “Without it, women and girls struggle to thrive.”
Creating a Sustainable Water Initiative
Sarah and Emily, both mothers to a total of five daughters, found themselves at a pivotal point in their lives. “I wanted to make a difference and feel like I was contributing to something meaningful,” Emily remarked, explaining her decision to leave behind a fulfilling career in corporate marketing. They began brainstorming ways to create a significant impact that their daughters could be proud of. After much consideration, they settled on the concept of water, launching their enterprise in January 2019.
Their response has been overwhelmingly supportive, a testament to their mission’s core values and the sustainable nature of their product.
Partnership with Water1st International
To further their goal of improving clean water access, Sarah and Emily sought out partnerships with reputable nonprofits, ultimately choosing to collaborate with Water1st International. This organization is distinguished for constructing permanent clean water systems that provide running water, showers, and toilets directly into homes, rather than relying on village pumps that fail to address the root issues.
“Using a pump still forces women and girls to spend time collecting water, which is not only physically taxing but also perilous,” Sarah explained. By installing plumbing systems in homes, they are tackling the problem effectively, significantly improving the lives of women and girls. Every carton sold by Everybody Water contributes a portion of its proceeds to Water1st International.
Involving Future Generations in Activism
Both Sarah and Emily were motivated by the desire to create a legacy that their daughters could take pride in and engage with. Water1st International offers opportunities for young people to participate in their initiatives, inspiring the next generation of advocates for clean water access.
“My oldest daughter has traveled to Honduras and Bangladesh, and she’s returned to educate her peers and form advocacy groups in our community,” Sarah shared. Instilling a sense of advocacy and social awareness in their children is only the beginning. As they navigated the male-dominated beverage industry, they relied on their instincts and experiences, setting a powerful example for their daughters about resilience in the face of challenges.
The Ripple Effect of Change
One of the most impactful aspects of their work is witnessing the transformation within communities. “There are areas that once lacked water access, and now they are collaborating with other communities to bring clean water solutions,” Emily noted. Sarah described this as a “ripple effect,” emphasizing that individual efforts can lead to significant change, both at the project level and within their own growing business. Access to clean water is life-altering, enabling entire communities to flourish rather than merely survive. For women and girls, it provides the invaluable gift of time.
Everybody Water has grown from its grassroots origins, yet it continues to uphold its foundational principles through a crowdfunding approach. Interested individuals can support the initiative through startengine.com.
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Summary
Sarah Collins and Emily Torres, founders of Everybody Water, are on a mission to transform lives through improved access to clean water. By partnering with Water1st International, they aim to alleviate the burden of water collection on women and girls, enabling them to pursue education and economic opportunities. Their grassroots approach maintains community involvement while creating a ripple effect of positive change.