Global Washout Day 2024: Join a Global Movement to Support The Washing Machine Project
Published 7th November 2024
Mark your calendars for the 19th November 2024—Global Washout Day is here, and you’re invited to be part of a worldwide day of action that shines a light on the global burden of handwashing clothes. Spearheaded by The Washing Machine Project, this initiative encourages people of all ages to hand wash clothes for a few minutes, gaining first-hand experience of a daily chore that millions around the world, especially women and girls, shoulder every day.
The Global Burden of Handwashing
Did you know that 60% of the world’s population still washes clothes by hand? In remote, low-income, and displaced communities, washing machines are rare, leaving people to rely on time-consuming, physically demanding handwashing. Global Washout Day aims to make this daily struggle visible by inviting schools, organisations, and individuals to participate in a handwashing exercise and reflect on the need for accessible, sustainable laundry solutions.
Look out for our new Inspired by Industry Context - release date, 19th November - The Washing Machine Project
In collaboration with The Washing Machine Project, we are introducing a new Inspired by Industry Context, launching on the 19th of November. This innovative educational resource is designed for KS3 D&T students, and challenges them to improve the laundry process for a school in Uganda. Students will engage with a real-world problem, using product design principles to brainstorm, design, and prototype solutions aimed at reducing the burden of handwashing.
Aligned with the National Curriculum, this resource helps students develop key technical skills in areas such as ergonomics, manufacturing, CAD/CAM, and rapid prototyping. More importantly, it fosters empathy and global awareness, encouraging students to understand the impact of design in addressing global challenges.
How Schools and Organisations Can Participate
Global Washout Day is easy to join and promises to be both fun and impactful. Here’s how to get involved:
- Watch the Introductory Video: Participants will be provided with a video overview to help them understand the scope of Global Washout Day and the mission behind it.
- Receive a Washout Pack: Fill in the registration for in order for The Washing Machine Project to send out a kit containing assets, stickers, washing lines, and pegs to help participants set up handwashing stations at their locations.
- Share the Experience: Social media plays a big role in spreading awareness. Participants are encouraged to document their handwashing moments and share them with the hashtag #GlobalWashoutDay.
Capture and Share Your #GlobalWashoutDay Moments
One of the best parts of Global Washout Day is the opportunity to share your efforts with a wider audience. By using the hashtag #GlobalWashoutDay, you’ll not only help spread the word but also build a sense of global solidarity in the fight for equitable laundry solutions. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos on social media for a chance to be featured on our pages! *T&Cs apply.
With participants across the globe, Global Washout Day is shaping up to be an inspiring example of collective action. To learn more, visit The Washing Machine Project’s website and become part of a movement to make a difference—one wash at a time.
*By tagging us in your photos, you confirm that we have permission to use images of any students featured on our social media channels.
