Marico has organised a ‘Women Water Meet’ in the village of Umale, where more than 110 women from various local government organisations and local groups have gathered to share ideas on water conservation and climate problems.

This women’s water meet has been organised under the Paanishala initiative of the Jalashay Jalsamruddhi Programme, in association with International Women’s Day and World Water Day.

During the women’s water meet, the participants have been engaged in discussions on the practical side of water conservation. There have been discussions on the mapping of aquifers, groundwater, and decentralised water management. Interactive sessions, such as group discussions and games, have been held to explain the technical ideas.

There has also been a hand-imprint activity, where the women have created a water drop symbol, followed by a pledge to follow the water conservation practices advocated by the programme.

"Amit Bhasin, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, CSR Committee, Marico, said that community participation, especially by women, is essential for the management of water resources in water-scarce areas."

Jalashay is currently operating in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Gujarat. The company claims that it has created a water potential of over 487 crore litres and has helped more than 4,000 farmers and their families.

It has taken up demand-side management, including drip irrigation, crop planning, and budgeting, as well as supply-side management, including rainwater harvesting, recharging of aquifers, and storage.

It is in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals for clean water and consumption.

This event is a part of the ongoing efforts to empower women in the management of local water resources.