Malawi youth group and Nigeria water activists are Water Warrior Award winners 2023!

Young people working with the Tigwirizane Community Based Organisation, winners of the 2023 Water Warrior Award

We are thrilled to announce the winners of our Water Warrior Award for 2023- the Tigwirizane Community Based Organisation in Zomba, Malawi, for their work engaging young people in water stewardship, and the Network of Water Rights in Nigeria, for their work helping communities claim their water rights.

The Water Warrior Award seeks to recognise and support the work of tenacious, creative and impactful organisations working to help people improve water security. Winners receive funding to help continue their work and grow their impact.

This year, the Tigwirizane CBO in Malawi stood out for their youth engagement work on environmental protection and tackling water pollution.

Dalitso Muronya said:

“I am truly thrilled and deeply honored to be considered for the Water Warrior Award for 2023 on behalf of Tigwirizane Community Based Organisation in Zomba, Malawi. This timely recognition humbles me and fills me with gratitude. Winning this award will serve as a powerful catalyst, enabling me to extend our reach to more communities, engage with youth, and collaborate with community leaders in our mission to clean the rivers and environment in Zomba city.

“The support from the Water Warrior Award will play a crucial role in amplifying our efforts, allowing us to take a leading role in environmental advocacy towards Malawi 2063 and the achievement of sustainable development goals. This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire Tigwirizane CBO team. Together, we look forward to making a meaningful impact, fostering cleaner and healthier environments, and contributing to the broader vision of a sustainable and prosperous Malawi.”

The Network of Water Rights Initiative has been working with communities in Nigeria to understand and claim their rights to water

The Network of Water Rights initiative in Nigeria were worthy award winners for their tenacious advocacy and awareness raising work to help communities demand their rights. Amaka Nweke said:

“We at Network of Water Rights Initiative are deeply honored and humbled to be globally recognized and awarded the Water Warrior Award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our team in advocating for the realization of water rights and protection of our invaluable water resources in Nigeria.

“Water is a fundamental human right, and yet, millions of people continue to suffer from water scarcity, pollution, and unequal access to clean and safe water. The Network of Water Rights Initiative was founded on the belief that access to water is a basic human right, and we have been tirelessly working to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and empower communities to demand their water rights.

“This award is not just a recognition of our organization, but a validation of the importance of our cause. It is a reminder that the fight for water rights is far from over, and that each and every one of us has a role to play in ensuring that everyone has access to this essential resource.

“We would like to express our gratitude to the organizers of the Water Warrior Award for shining a spotlight on the critical issue of water rights. We also want to thank our dedicated team members, volunteers, and partners who have worked tirelessly to advance our mission. And most importantly, we want to thank the communities and individuals who have inspired us with their resilience and determination in the face of water challenges.

“This award is a call for more work with renewed passion and dedication; to recommit ourselves to the cause of water rights, to continue to raise our voices, take action, and stand in solidarity with those who are fighting for their right to water. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that water is accessible to all. Thank you.”

Amaka Nweke of Network of Water Rights Initiative engaging communities in Enugu state in the campaign for water rights