The Washing Machine Project

The Washing Machine Project is a UK-based social enterprise developing a low-cost, hand-cranked washing machine for households without reliable access to electricity or running water. Roughly two billion people worldwide hand-wash clothes — a task that disproportionately falls on women and girls, often consuming several hours a day.

The company's flagship product, the Divya, is a manual drum washer designed to use significantly less water than handwashing while requiring no power source. Units are deployed through partnerships with humanitarian organisations and distributed to refugee camps and underserved communities. The team works with end users to refine the design for local conditions.

TWMP has reached more than 30,000 people across over a dozen countries including India, Lebanon, the Philippines, Iraq and Jordan. Partners include the United Nations, Oxfam and the World Food Programme. The company has been covered by the BBC and The Guardian.