Approximately 70% of the global population lacks access to an electric washing machine. While hand washing clothes may seem like a straightforward chore, this responsibility significantly impacts the well-being and livelihood of women across the globe.
‘The Washing Machine Project' is an organisation that aims to address this issue by offering accessible and sustainable washing solutions to low-income communities. The project's mission is to empower women by providing them with the time to take control of their lives. British-Sikh entrepreneur and founder of the organisation, Navjot Sawhney discusses the inspiration, inception and goals of the outfit.
“Women empowerment has always played a significant role in my life”
The Washing Machine Project commenced in 2019, and the journey leading up to its inception is quite intriguing. Raised in London Navjot Sawhney’s aerospace engineer father fuelled his passion for flight at airshows, but he lost him early in life. After the unfortunate demise of his father, he was raised by his mother and two older sisters. “This upbringing firsthand acquainted me with the vital role of women in the household, especially considering the challenges faced by my mother as the head of a single-parent family”, he said.
“Moreover, my family's history was marked by displacement, rooted in my father's experience during the Indian partition. The themes of women empowerment, engineering, and displacement have consistently played a significant role in my life”, he adds.
After completing his education Sawhney found himself working with a leading appliance manufacturer, Dyson and he soon found himself weary of producing vacuum cleaners for affluent customers. Opting for change, he left his job to volunteer in Kalapalambu, South India. Collaborating with a cookstove company, he contributed to the development of fuel-efficient stoves.
“The impactful part of my stay, however, was witnessing the struggles of women like my next-door neighbour, Divya. Despite her proficiency in English, she faced numerous challenges due to unpaid labour, including child care, cooking, and cleaning”, explains Sawhney about the inspiration behind ‘The washing Machine Project’ and the Divya 1.5, a manual, off-the-grid washer-dryer machine which can help save up to 50% of water and 75% of the time compared to handwashing clothes.
“The mission was clear: design, manufacture, and distribute manual washing machines to alleviate the time, water, and effort burden for millions of women worldwide who hand wash clothes, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. The DVR washing machine, our innovative creation, is the world's first flat-packable washing machine, easily assembled with an IKEA-style Allen-key and spanner within an hour”, he said.
The project, it’s operation and impact
The Washing Machine Project is currently active in nine countries, deploying machines to various settings such as refugee camps, primary schools, orphanages, and low-income areas. Sawhney further elaborates on the impact areas of the project, stating, “Recently, we have expanded our reach to include washing clothes for homeless individuals on the streets of America. Our initiative encompasses a diverse range of applications, catering to the needs of individual households, communities, and everything in between.
“Our presence extends across the globe, from Uganda and Kenya to the United States, providing assistance to Ukrainian refugees in Poland, as well as operating in India, the Middle East (specifically Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon), and other regions. The project's versatility allows us to address distinct needs in numerous locations, fostering positive impacts in a variety of communities.”
The Washing Machine Project collaborates with major corporations, including those listed on the FTSE 100 and other entities traded on the stock exchange with extensive organisational structures. These corporate partners play a crucial role in financing the development and deployment of the machines. Additionally, partnership with the United Nations helps procure the machines, allowing free distribution.
Talking about his team and volunteers involved, Sawhney said, “As the Washing Machine Project continues to evolve, our team has grown to include seven dedicated individuals, with plans for further expansion in the coming months. We are proud to have a committed group of volunteers who contribute their time and skills, either through our corporate partnerships or within our broader network. These volunteers engage in tasks such as building machines and offering specialised skills, presenting a myriad of exciting opportunities for collaboration.”
The Washing Machine Project has successfully positively impacted the lives of 30,000 individuals. This accomplishment reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to making a meaningful difference in communities across various regions.
The Points of Light recognition
‘The Washing Machine Project’ won the “Sustainability Rising Star Award” and according to Sawhney, it came as a shock. He said, “We were honoured to receive the Points of Light award in the UK from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Our recognition came in January, seemingly in acknowledgement of our efforts with Ukrainian refugees in Poland.
“The award was a delightful surprise, and as a grassroots organisation, such accolades significantly contribute to our visibility and credibility. A pinnacle moment was the invitation to Downing Street, where we had the privilege of enjoying lunch with other Points of Light winners during the king's coronation, adding a delightful touch to the recognition we received.”
Donate to this noble cause at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/thewashingmachineproject