In the remote village of Majhi Ukhura, Odisha, 18-year-old Phoolvani Naik used to spend nearly two hours every day collecting water, often from unsafe, open sources. As a member of the Bagata tribal community, she, like many girls and women in her village, faced daily risks to her health and safety just to access the water she needed.
Without clean water or toilets, diseases like diarrhoea, scabies, and typhoid were common. And with nowhere private to wash or go to the toilet, dignity and personal safety, especially for girls, were always at risk.
But today, that has changed.
Working alongside our local partners, Frank Water supported the Majhi Ukhura community to ensure that every household now has access to safe drinking water, a toilet, and a private space to wash.
For Phoolvani, this means far more than clean water. It means better health, time to focus on her education, and the chance to grow up with dignity and confidence.
“I don’t need to rush to fetch water before and after school. I have more time to study and more privacy too.”
Phoolvani Naik, Majhi Ukhura village, India
