Because Darfur is almost a synonym for suffering, it’s so gratifying to read about something good happening there. The UN-African Union peacekeeping force (UNAMID) sponsored a project in 8 villages of North Darfur which will facilitate access to water. More importantly this kind of access means that the sexual and gender based violence associated with obtaining water will be reduced. A village resident summarized the benefit, “for years we have been afraid of being attacked while fetching water and collecting firewood; it is not always possible to move in groups…” The barrel-shaped water carriers are designed to lessen the physical burden of carrying the water, a task which in Sudan is mainly the responsibility of women ad children. The UNAMID project is part of a larger initiative training midwives and helping to improve health and education in the region’s villages.