Organization: Intercom Strategys

The objective was to promote a qualitative leap in the habitability and sustainability of family homes in rural villages scattered structure, and indigenous and / or mixed, with no or very poor connection to sewerage, water supply and energy, where families are the main actors, and simultaneously develop the awareness to spread knowledge of hygienic practices, helping women to lead the change.

Among other things, Intercom installed dry ecological toilets, to reduce open defecation. The product of these toilets was very good quality compost. Captured and stored rainwater, which allows drinking water for families. Purified greywater using a green filter, and subsequently used for irrigating orchard and garden. Introduced solar water heaters for heating water without burning fuel.

Through this, increases in family income of up to 50% were achieved.

Quantitative and qualitative results are felt in everyday life; Chitejé community of Trash Amealco Querétaro, Mexico, at the core of the project, has the highest rate of suicides and intrafamily violence in the state, yet the families involved in the model have reported no cases of these. The families live together, mothers become the model creating a difference in perception of the mother figure, and women in general, by the children. Parents interact with respect for the mother as supplier. Education on sustainability from the family generates an identity that stands apart from addictions and criminal behavior, which is essential to maintaining and improving the sustainable housing. Diseases associated with poor diet and lack of sanitation and hygiene have disappeared, and thus there has been a drastic reduction in doctor visits for the families involved in the project.

Keywords: empowering communities,  gender and water,  hygiene,  sanitation, water and health.
Location: Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean

Corresponding websites:

>> More information about the initiative