*For every donation of at least 50 dollars to our team, you will receive a free box of Stress Relief Hemp+Herb Tea from Traditional Medicinals. Our team is offering this as a token of appreciation for all the support YOU are providing for the women, and girls of Western Rajasthan, India. 

Currently, I am studying for my Masters In Development Practice Program at Emory University with a concentration in water, sanitation, and hygiene. My inspiration for pursuing a career as a development practitioner stems from an educational field trip that I took in the 11th grade of high school. During this trip, we traveled to the Thar desert located in Western Rajasthan, India, where WomenServe and the Traditional Medicinals Foundation work with communities in one of the world's hottest deserts and the most populated. My life was changed when I saw how a small act within these communities could make such an enormous impact on the members of the community.

To this day, women and girls walk for up to 10 hours a day to collect water. They walk with a pot on the tops of their head, weighing up to 50 pounds. This daily task inhibits women and girls from many opportunities. WomenServe works to create impactful change, which starts with the elimination of the need to walk for water. Projects include the building of Taankas(rainwater catchment systems) close to homes, and Naadis(rainwater catchment ponds). Without the need to collect water, women can pursue economic opportunities, which are provided through training to make various handicrafts. Most importantly, women can spend more time raising their children. When girls no longer need to walk for water, they can attend local schools and receive an education. 

It starts with the elimination of walking for water, and through this platform, WomenServe creates gender empowerment throughout the communities of the Thar desert. They utilize interventions, including educational, economic, and focus on water, health, and hygiene. I am forever grateful that WomenServe and the Traditional Medicinals Foundation introduced me to development practice. The reason I am giving back through fundraising is to promote gender empowerment throughout the Thar, and I ask you to join me. Please consider joining my team, sharing my page, creating your fundraising page, and donating to the cause. I also hope you consider joining in the walk for water from September 30th-October 9th.

#IWalkForGirlsAndWater