Kamonyi, Rwanda; November 19, 2025.
Six women representing cooperatives supported by Medicus Mundi in Kamonyi District participated in the International Toilet Day celebrations held in Mugina Sector. The event, organized by ARDE/KUBAHO, highlighted major achievements in water, hygiene, and sanitation infrastructure implemented in partnership with Sign of Hope and funded by BMZ.
The celebration took place at a site where ARDE/KUBAHO and its partners have completed a series of impactful WASH projects. These include modern 9 door toilet constructed at GS Kansoro School, newly installed public taps, water points, and an extensive water supply system with two large reservoirs serving Nteko and Mbati Cells residents.
The six participating women are members of seven cooperatives that have, for years, collaborated with Medicus Mundi to improve community hygiene, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote environmental conservation. This year’s global theme, “Sanitation in a Changing World,” strongly resonates with the cooperatives’ long-standing commitment to strengthening hygiene and sanitation practices in their households and communities.
Kamonyi women cooperatives step forward to champion hygiene and dignity during World Toilet Day celebrations
Over the past years, these cooperatives, working closely with Medicus Mundi and Kamonyi District have recorded important milestones. Among these achievements are:
- Seven girls’ rooms established at each cooperative headquarters, enabling women and girls to manage their menstrual health with dignity and without missing work.
- Modern toilets constructed for 115 vulnerable households, significantly improving sanitation for families most in need.
- Two public toilets built to provide safe and clean sanitation facilities for community members.
To further address the challenge of water scarcity, large rainwater harvesting tanks were installed at each cooperative office. An additional eight water tanks were provided to cells and community members, ensuring reliable water access for both residents and local health posts, thereby strengthening healthcare delivery in the district.
Eight schools across the district also benefited from rainwater harvesting tanks, contributing to improved hygiene for thousands of students. In total, 15 tanks were distributed. Furthermore, seven public taps were constructed, making clean water more accessible to households and reducing the long distances many residents previously walked to fetch water.
These interventions were implemented across six sectors of Kamonyi District, including Runda, Rugalika, Gacurabwenge, Ngamba, Kayenzi, and Karama, contributing to improved public health and community well-being.
ARDE KUBAHO and Medicus Mundi’s partnership continues to transform communities through improved sanitation and access to clean water.
The celebration in Mugina Sector demonstrated how far Kamonyi District has come in advancing sanitation and public health but it also served as a reminder that the journey is far from over. The progress achieved through the collaboration between ARDE/KUBAHO, Medicus Mundi and Kamonyi District shows what is possible when partnerships remain people centered and purpose driven.
As the women cooperatives continue to champion hygiene, environmental protection, and community development, their role remains essential in sustaining these gains and expanding WASH initiatives to even more families. ARDE/ KUBAHO extends heartfelt appreciation to Medicus Mundi for their long standing and impactful partnership, one that has empowered women, improved livelihoods, and strengthened community resilience across Kamonyi. It is a collaboration built on trust, shared vision, and commitment to change.
Looking ahead, ARDE/KUBAHO expresses hope and determination that this dedication will continue, because the needs in WASH and community development remain significant. With renewed energy, strengthened partnerships, and the unwavering involvement of women cooperatives, Kamonyi District is well positioned to achieve even greater milestones in the years to come.
