In a world where nearly half the global population still washes clothes by hand—a task that often consumes hours of labor each week and disproportionately affects women and girls—a simple yet revolutionary solution is making waves.
The Divya washing machine, developed by the nonprofit The Washing Machine Project with vital support from the Whirlpool Foundation, has been named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025 in the prestigious Social Impact category.
Inspired by founder Navjot Sawhney’s experience volunteering in rural India (where he witnessed his neighbor, Divya, spending up to 20 hours a week on laundry), this innovative device is the world’s first flat-packable, hand-cranked manual washing machine. It requires no electricity, assembles easily for low-cost shipping and distribution, and delivers remarkable efficiency:
75% faster than traditional hand-washing
Uses 50% less water
Reduces physical strain while freeing up precious time for education, work, or rest
Already being deployed in refugee camps, remote villages, and underserved communities worldwide, Divya is transforming lives by alleviating “time poverty” and promoting dignity and opportunity.
This well-deserved recognition from TIME highlights how thoughtful, human-centered design can address some of humanity’s most overlooked challenges. Congratulations to The Washing Machine Project team—their work is proof that small inventions can create massive social change!
For more details, check out the official TIME feature here.https://time.com/collections/best-inventions-2025/7318503/the-divya-washing-machine/