What the Female LAM (Local Area Mechanic) Initiative Is

The Female LAM initiative is part of WaterAid’s broader efforts in Nigeria to improve access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) by training women as Local Area Mechanics — technical workers who maintain and repair water and sanitation facilities in their communities.

While there isn’t extensive official published detail on a specific “Female LAM App”, multiple sources indicate that the Female LAM programme includes digital engagement tools (like an app) to support these women — likely for coordination, reporting, learning, and job‑tracking — especially after training workshops.

Core Purpose

The main goals of the Female LAM initiative are to:

Empower women technically and economically by equipping them with hands‑on skills to maintain WASH infrastructure (e.g., repairing pumps, fixing taps, maintaining sanitation facilities). WaterAid

Increase gender inclusion in WASH service delivery, where women are traditionally heavy users but often excluded from technical roles. FemaleLam

Boost community sustainability of water services because trained local women can fix problems quickly and reduce dependency on external technicians.

GIEVA’s Role in the Female LAM App Project

GIEVA developed a set of digital tools, both web and mobile apps, designed to support the Female LAM ecosystem:

Mobile Apps

LAM Provider App: A mobile application built for female WASH mechanics to help them find and manage jobs in their communities. It includes features like:

  1. Job notifications (local WASH service requests)
  2. Booking and schedule management
  3. Client communication tools
  4. Profile building and secure payments integration

This app makes it easier for LAMs to connect with customers and grow their technical services business. Google Play

LAM Client App: A companion mobile app for customers seeking WASH services. It allows users to:

  1. Search and hire local verified WASH specialists
  2. Book services easily
  3. Communicate with service providers
  4. Pay securely and rate services provided
    This client app helps drive demand for LAMs’ skills and streamlines access to water and sanitation services for communities.

What This Means for Female LAMs

By developing both a provider app and a client app, GIEVA has:

  1. Enabled trained women mechanics to find work easily and get paid
  2. Created a platform where communities can request and receive WASH services
  3. Strengthened the digital ecosystem supporting WaterAid’s Female LAM initiative
  4. Promoted local entrepreneurship and economic empowerment through technology

This digital platform complements capacity‑building and training efforts, helping female LAMs turn their technical skills into sustainable income and community impact.