Photo: Fredy Gutiérrez / World Vision
What happens when water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programming is designed not only to improve access, but to shift who holds power, voice, and influence within a community?
By Kristie Urich, WASH Technical Director | International Programs | World Vision U.S.
World Vision’s new short film explores how women-centered design in our Beyond Access program in Guatemala is strengthening WASH systems while increasing women’s agency, decision-making power, and economic opportunity.
By intentionally integrating and sequencing WASH, mindset change, and women’s economic empowerment, the program is demonstrating how addressing systemic barriers multiplies impact for women, families, and communities.
As part of World Vision’s 2026–2030 Global WASH business plan, our Beyond Access approach is now scaling through replicable, country-led Place-Based Initiatives, with Phase 2 aiming to reach 360,000 people across 12 countries.
To see highlights of this transformation in Guatemala watch our four-minute video here.
This video, focusing on women-centered design, is the second in our new series highlighting the people and partnerships driving World Vision’s WASH programming forward. Each feature spotlights one of World Vision’s Place-Based Initiatives, unpacking the systems, collaboration, and technical rigor required to deliver lasting WASH services.
Explore our Place-Based Initiatives stories.
Learn more about our Place-Based Initiatives, including women-centered design here.