I embarked on this journey to walk around the world because the water crisis is a global emergency that demands action. It breaks my heart to think that almost one billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water, which is a fundamental human right. Women and children walk up to 20 miles every day, spending 125 million hours collecting water for their families. This is a burden no one should have to bear.
I was inspired to take action when I witnessed the devastating impact of the water crisis on local communities during a visit to Nicaragua in 2015. I saw women gathered by a polluted river, scrubbing laundry on rocks upstream from where another woman was collecting drinking water. Across the river, a line of cattle gathered along the bank to quench their thirst, leaving the shoreline muddy with manure and urine, further polluting the water and filling the air with an unpleasant odor. The sight left me feeling overwhelmed with emotion. It was a stark reminder that the contaminated water likely caused their families' illnesses, but the women had no other option.
Every step I take is for the men, women, and children who walk for water. Providing everyone with access to safe drinking water would not only improve their health but also allow children, especially girls, to return to school. We can all make a difference by taking action. Consider donating to an organization that provides clean drinking water or advocating for policies that address this global issue. Together, we can make a significant impact and bring hope to those who need it most.