Building Dignity and Safety: WOCOTM’s Eco-Friendly Outhouse Project in Maralal
In the heart of rural Samburu County, Kenya, where access to basic sanitation remains a daily challenge, Women of Color On the Move (WOCOTM) is taking a bold step toward health equity and dignity. Led by Dr. Kevin and his dedicated team, WOCOTM is constructing an eco-friendly outhouse in the village of Maralal—designed specifically for women, youth, and girls. This initiative is more than a construction project; it’s a mission-driven effort to address critical health, safety, and social issues in underserved communities. This was a extension to our Bridging the Gap Empowering Women for a Sustainable Future at Lalaingok Primary School, Maralal, Samburg County March 8-9th,2025.
The lack of proper sanitation in rural areas like Maralal contributes to the spread of disease, contaminates water sources, and compromises the safety and privacy of women and girls. Without access to safe toilets, many are forced to relieve themselves in open areas, exposing them to the risk of assault or dangerous encounters with wild animals, especially at night. WOCOTM’s eco-friendly solution not only protects water quality and promotes hygiene but also restores a sense of dignity and security to those most vulnerable.
This project reflects WOCOTM’s broader mission: to empower women and girls of color globally by addressing systemic barriers to health, education, and safety. By investing in sustainable infrastructure, WOCOTM is planting seeds of change—ensuring that every woman and girl, no matter where she lives, has the right to live with dignity, safety, and hope for a healthier future.
Without proper sanitation, women and girls face heightened risks of disease, water contamination, and physical harm. Open defecation—still practiced by over 8 million Kenyans—exposes them to sexual assault and dangerous wildlife, especially at night. The eco-friendly design of this outhouse will help prevent waterborne illnesses, reduce environmental impact, and provide a safe, private space that supports menstrual hygiene and personal safety. It’s a small structure with a massive impact.
📢 #WOCOTMOnTheMove
This is beautiful