Led by UN Women with funding from the Government of Japan, within 1 year, the project provided essential water equipment to over 1,500 households, 10 schools, and health stations, ultimately benefiting more than 10,000 people. The initiative also strengthened the capacity of 60 local communities, enabling them to better respond to the impacts of drought and salt intrusion. Additionally, it promoted sustainable practices to protect livelihoods and well-being through training on the prevention and control of gender-based violence.Students in Ninh Thuận access to clean water

Globally, women bear the brunt of climate change due to their roles in securing food, water, and energy. According to UN Women, 80% of households without piped water rely on women and girls for water collection, exposing them to health risks and gender-based violence. In Viet Nam, climate-induced disasters have intensified, with 40% of the Mekong Delta experiencing saltwater intrusion and over 1.5 million people facing annual water shortages. Women, already economically vulnerable, suffer disproportionately from these conditions.

By ensuring a stable water supply, the "Water is Life" project enhances the resilience of vulnerable women (including those who are poor, near-poor, with disabilities, single mothers, suffering from serious illnesses, or raising children under 18 months old, etc.), helping them secure their livelihoods and support their families. The project has distributed high-quality water tanks, water filtration systems, and water-saving irrigation equipment while also promoting sustainable water management practices.

At the closing ceremony in Ninh Thuan, project beneficiaries, local leaders, UN Women, the Japanese Embassy, and Women’s Unions celebrated the initiative’s success.

Nguyen Thi Yen, a resident of Tran Van Thoi District, Ca Mau, shared: “Our family struggled with water shortages, forcing us to buy extra water or use unsafe sources. This support has been life-changing, providing us with clean water and a stable livelihood.”

Another beneficiary, To Thi Nhu Nga from Thuan Nam District, Ninh Thuan expressed: “Thanks to this initiative, we installed additional water pipes and a drip irrigation system, ensuring reliable water access for our crops.”

Speaking at the event, Sasaki Shohei, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Viet Nam, stressed the benefits and significance of the project: “This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. “Water is Life” is very meaningful project in empowering women economically in this commemorative year.”

Caroline Nyamayemombe, UN Women Country Representative in Viet Nam, emphasized the need for continued action: “Water scarcity, drought, and salt intrusion will persist. However, the solutions developed through this initiative provide a strong foundation for scaling up similar interventions in other vulnerable regions"./.