15 OCTOBER 2011 | HIRAT, AFGHANISTAN

 

For Afghan workers on a water distribution project in Injil District of Hirat Province, water is life. Injil, one of the poorest districts in the region, is in dire need of infrastructure that improves daily life, such as access to water.

 

Working closely with the Hirat Department of Water Supply, USAID conceived a project to complete certain segments of an unfinished water distribution network that had lost its original donor. Using USAID funding, the project will give thousands in Injil access to water and will provide work and income for more than 330 laborers.

 

Froozan, a divorcee with two young children, is one of the workers selected for the project. Her job demands responsibility. She is in charge of keeping and accounting for the tools that are used on the job. When the workers arrive in the morning, she hands out the shovels and picks. At the end of the day, she accounts for the tools that are returned. She also has to keep count of broken tools and maintain an up-to-date inventory on all construction supplies.

 

"I live with my father and mother and have few chances to work or make money," says Froozan. "Although this work will only last for a month or so, I hope to make enough to buy food for my kids and some new clothes."

 

Although far from financial independence, Froozan has learned some valuable skills and has had the satisfaction of earning her own money. She has used some of the cash she earned to purchase goats. "They will supply milk and fresh meat for the family, and they will have more baby goats and then we will have some that we can sell."

 

The goal of the project is to provide a supply of water to the people of Injil. However, the accompanying objective is to give women like Froozan a chance to make money, learn skills, and invest money in assets like livestock.