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SOAP SUPERGIRLS

Three women change the world of work with our soaps

By FOREFRONT Charity

March 8^th, 2017

the hands behind clean hands

Three women in a village called Thallur are taking their community's health in their own hands. As soap ambassadors, Vyshanavy, Sava, and Nagavenni create soaps week after week, ensuring hand washing continues.

And the enthusiasm hasn't stopped. Since the start of our sanitation initiative in October 2016, soap use in Thallur jumped from 39% to 94%.

On International Womens Day, FOREFRONT celebrates Vyshanavy, Sava, and Nagavenni's empowered livelihoods that starts with a simple handwashing routine.

meet the soap supergirls

"Because of the FOREFRONT soaps, life will be healthier and lead to better work. This means we can contribute back to society."

-Vyshanavy, a 14-year-old soap ambassador

Each of these women generously stepped forward when we asked for volunteers, and represent important age groups in Thallur.

Vyshanavy, 14, is a high schooler who has seen her classmates suffer from not only unclean water, but harsh chemicals in other soaps. She knew after using the soaps, she wanted to help spread their use among her peers. "They smell good and we like the toys. We can tell that they don't have chemicals," she told us.

Nagavenni, 32, has long seen the health outcomes of not using soap. "Cleansing with soap helped relieve rashes and allergies, leading to a healthier community," she said. The few times she's had the opportunity to use soap, she's noticed the difference. And she couldn't wait to continue.

Sava, 20, added that her education, a component of FOREFRONT's 4-phase approach, allowed her to learn the importance of long-term health. In addition to her university studies, she takes time each week to make soaps and teach others about the importance of their use.

We could not have asked for better soap ambassadors. From their livelihoods and attitudes, it was clear that health promotion was their goal.

EQUAL ACCESS FOR ALL

FOREFRONT's intervention addresses a longstanding issue with sanitation in Thallur. Due to financial strain, soap use is rare. Unclean hands with unclean water has caused rashes among other health complications.

But that's not for lack of desire. When we asked villagers if they'd use soap if they had it, the answer was a resounding yes.

Thanks to their efforts, Vyshanavy, Sava, and Nagavenni are transforming their education, time, and soap-making skills to become agents of change. When we equip women, their livelihoods have the power to move entire communities forward.

At a time when only 50% of working-age women are represented in the labor force (UN), FOREFRONT is pleased to partner with women in Thallur so more women and girls can stay healthy and contribute back to society, just like Vyshanavy said.