Welcome to March, Rotary’s month of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, and the celebration of the World Rotaract Week from the 13th. The month also houses International Women’s Day on the 8th and the World Water Day on the 22nd.

Clean water, basic sanitation, and proper hygiene are fundamental human rights, yet about 2.2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water. At least 3,000 children die each day from diseases caused by unsafe water. When children have access to clean water, they live healthier and more productive lives.

However, we cannot have clean water if people are still defecating into the river, nor improve quality of life for the poor if people are still getting sick due to poor sanitation. Women cannot be safe if they are subjected to rape or molestation from going in the bush. We cannot achieve equal education opportunity if girls have to stay out of school during their periods. 

As we celebrate on the 8 March 2025, to mark International Women’s Day under the 2025 theme, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” which calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind. 

We cannot over emphasized the need for clean water and improved sanitation and hygiene to ensure safety, good health and equal access to education. Rotary Foundation has invested more than $180 million in over 2,500 water and sanitation projects worldwide. Rotary is making a difference through global grant-supported projects funded by your contributions to the Foundation and Rotary Clubs.

Through our efforts, we provide access to clean water, allowing communities to enhance education levels, improve health, and further development.
As we look to the World Rotaract Week, we deeply acknowledge the role of Rotaract clubs, our allies with their staunch engagement, energy, and ideas complementing the experience of Rotary clubs and increasing our collective impact emphasizing the need for more collaborations in making the world a better place.

My sincere appreciation to everyone. Together we can do much more.

Yvonne S Iwo-Brown 
Club President