12. How Far Would You Walk For Water?
Lumbie Mlambo with JB Dondolo
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Each year, about 2 million people die due to waterborne diseases. And most of these deaths happen to children under the age of 5. What does it take to serve communities that are desperately in need of clean water? How do we find clean water? What factors do we need to take into consideration? How difficult could it be?
In this episode, I speak with Lumbie Mlambo, founder of the nonprofit organization, JB Dondolo. The conversation centers around the importance of clean water equity and the work that Lumbie is doing to provide marginalized communities, particularly women and girls, with access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. Lumbie discusses the dire situation in Zimbabwe, where millions of people lack access to safe drinking water, and the challenges of providing clean water to communities, particularly for women who are often at risk of sexual assault while fetching water. She also highlights the issue of water scarcity in the US and the impact of human actions on natural resources. Lumbie's passion for her work and dedication to improving access to clean water is contagious throughout the episode.
In this Episode, We Cover:
The Burden of Water Collection: Lumbie discuss the societal burden of water collection, which is often put on the backs of women and mothers in low resource communities.
Women Changing the World Awards: Lumbie talks about her recent nomination for the 2023 Women Changing the World Awards, presented by Oprah Winfrey's all-time favorite guest, Dr. Terry Trent.
The Importance of Clean Water Equity: Lumbie talks about her mission to provide women and girls with clean water, sanitation, and hygiene so that they can have equitable lives.
Waterborne Diseases and Lack of Access to Clean Water: The speakers discuss the statistics around waterborne diseases and the lack of access to clean drinking water in Zimbabwe, particularly in rural areas.
Challenges of Finding Water: Lumbie explains the intense and costly process of finding water, including the use of instruments and technology, and the risks involved in drilling in rocky areas.
Side Effects of Walking for Water: The speakers discuss the health risks and dangers that women face when walking long distances to obtain water, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and the risk of sexual assault. They also discuss what JB Dondolo is doing to protect women in communities without access to clean water.
Importance of clean water systems within communities: Lumbie discusses the importance of clean water systems within communities, particularly for women's safety, and how her nonprofit organization installs intentional water systems to benefit entire communities.
Water scarcity in the US and the importance of studying land formation: Lumbie talks about the water scarcity issue in the US, particularly in low-income communities, and how her organization studies land formation and conducts scientific testing to determine the best way to provide safe water to these communities.
100 Voices for Our Planet and the impact of human actions on natural resources: Lumbie discusses the 100 Voices for Our Planet initiative, which aims to encourage people to live consciously and understand the impact of their actions on natural resources, particularly water. She emphasizes the importance of small steps and eco-conscious living to minimize man-made incidents and protect the ecosystem.
Voices for Water Awards: Lumbie talks about the Voices for Water Awards, which recognize people committed to being the voice for water and supporting organizations that provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Music for Water Awards: Lumbie discusses the Music for Water Awards, which recognize people who create songs for water and how it inspires and touches people's hearts.
Who is Lumbie Mlambo?
Lumbie is Global Goals Ambassador and a graduate from Indiana University South Bend and Texas Woman’s University. She resides in Dallas, Texas, with her family.
Inspired by her orphaned father who never went to school but served as a revered humanitarian in his local community, Lumbie took the leap to continue her father’s legacy. As a result, she started a 501(c)(3) nonprofit JB Dondolo. after her father’s namesake. JB Dondolo's mission is to make it easy for marginalized communities to access natural resources essential for life.
Lumbie makes her voice heard about the issues impacting women and girls globally, sharing her insights and knowledge on how such issues can be addressed. She is extremely passionate about improving people’s lives and restoring dignity, which starts when women and girls have a seat at the table. In 2019, the UNA-Dallas Chapter selected Lumbie for the UN Global Leadership Award for her work with JB Dondolo on Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6).
