IBM and Dow to collaborate in Ethiopia sanitation programme

Five employees from chemicals giant Dow and three from technology colossus IBM are to participate in a joint global pro bono project with International Medical Corps (IMC) that will promote and support a campaign to improve sanitation and hygiene behaviour in Wolayita, Ethiopia.

IMC delivers health care services to those impacted by war, natural disaster and disease with programs that focus on training and helping devastated populations return to self-reliance.

Dow’s team will create a social marketing programme to drive behavioural changes required to create sustained resilience, while IBM will assess, recommend, and design methodologies that can measure how resilient a community is, particularly in the realm of public health.

Dow’s Leadership in Action (LIA) programme and IBM’s Corporate Service Corps have come together with the assistance of nonprofit, PYXERA Global.

“Collaboration is instrumental in a project of this scope because no one company holds all the solutions to the world’s problems,” said Michelle Langley, programme leader for Dow Sustainability Corps, Global Disaster Relief and STEM. “More than 35% of the world’s population lacks access to improved sanitation. By aligning strategies and leveraging each other’s employee talent, Dow and IBM can leave a lasting impact on the region.”

"By bringing together the top talent and emerging leaders at IBM and Dow, we are able to strengthen the impact we make on the community as well as deepen the experience for the employees, ultimately building lifelong relationships and sustainable solutions," added Gina Tesla, Director, IBM Corporate Citizenship.

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