“Water Is Essential”: Maria Luisa’s Story
Moving to a new place can be both exciting and scary, often accompanied by unexpected challenges and trials.
When Maria Luisa moved to the town of La Unión, Mexico, she was dismayed to discover that access to any water at all was hours away. As a mother of two young girls, she was concerned about the safety and well-being of her family.
We had to walk two hours to a ranchero that had water [and] had to carry it back in 20-liter containers on our backs. We carried it through the rainforest. There are no cars or roads to get there. It was dangerous.
Maria Luisa and her two daughters, Maria and Blanca, used to have to walk for hours through the rainforest to collect their water.
Maria realized she had to take action.
“It was a great challenge, because we are living with certain customs and traditions, and for women, their voices are not heard,” Maria said. “We are not allowed to make decisions. It’s very hard to change people’s minds.”
However, Maria knew that women especially understand the challenges of the global water crisis—they are often the ones walking for water, cooking and cleaning with unsafe water, and caring for sick children. She let nothing stop her from raising her voice and encouraging other women to do the same.
We, as women, have something special. Because we know what the problems are, it is up to us to raise our voices. If we don’t raise our voices, no one will care for our needs.
Maria began connecting with local governments and civic organizations, including Water Mission, about getting safe water access in La Unión. Now, she’s branched out, bringing together women to advocate for safe water and sanitation projects in 35 rainforest communities.
“There are still so many communities, and not all have water,” Maria said. “We need to see that every need for water is met…. I don’t just want to help my own family, my own community.”
We think about our children and their futures, and that makes us know that we need to keep trying…. Water is essential, so it is essential that we try.
Not only is Maria motivated by love for her children and hope for their futures, but she also firmly believes that everything is possible with God. A devoted Christian, she sees how God cares for His creation and gives people like herself the passion to help others.
“Sometimes when things are hard, we feel like there are no options and no resources,” she said. “I always bring myself before God, so He can help us find the resources we need, and so that He can inspire people to care. I trust His support.”
At Water Mission, we are inspired by women like Maria in Mexico and around the world.
On World Water Day, we honor this year’s theme of “Water and Gender” by sharing Maria’s story. Water Mission recognizes that the global water crisis affects everyone—but not equally—as women and girls are often the ones who suffer most from walking long distances for water and from a lack of safely managed sanitation and hygiene. Opening doors for women and girls to have agency in solving the global water crisis helps us create solutions that are more sustainable, holistic, and impactful.
We are thankful for women like Maria who advocate for both safe water in their communities and for women around the world.
I have this strong purpose to help women stop being afraid to speak…. I want to empower women so they can make decisions that help their communities.
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