I was shocked to learn from Navjot Sawhney’s LinkedIn post that 5.6 billion in the world still have to hand wash their clothes. His brilliant one-minute video makes for compelling and uncomfortable viewing. You can see it here
I was inspired to learn how this former Dyson engineer developed the machine and The Washing Machine Project:
“In 2017, Navjot Sawhney, the founder of the Washing Machine Project met Divya in South India. He noticed that she would need to handwash her clothes for almost 20 hours per week, which caused her constant pain in her back and arms. Still, Divya continued being a doting mother alongside carrying the burden of domestic labour like hand washing laundry. Hand washing laundry stole precious time, besides causing her backbreaking pain. However, without sufficient access to electricity or water, Divya lacked choice.
The ordinary woman you pass, unnoticeably, she is actually a superhero.
In a world where women bear the unfair burden of social care, Divya brings the comfort of clean clothes. She brings the safety of hygiene. She is strong, resilient and powerful enough to raise a family with tender love and bold care. While the Divya washing machine may not have any gender, it embodies the spirit of all home care providers who show up. In our world, the overwhelming burden of unpaid social care tends to be placed on women.
This is why The Washing Machine Project named their washing machine after Divya, the everyday woman who goes above and beyond and deserves better. More freedom of time, lesser pain, and the power to take charge of her life.
The Divya washing machine reduces the pain and time associated with backbreaking domestic labour. And with the support of hundreds of generous donors, this incredible CIC (Community Interest Company), is reaching thousands of women in developing contexts who need our off grid solutions.”
We need more Navjots and Divyas in this world, shaping a cleaner, greener