Transforming Lives: The Role of Sanitation in Uplifting Women and Girls

In several parts of the world, the simple act of using a toilet is not just about comfort; it’s about safety, dignity, and opportunity. For lakhs of girls and women, insufficient sanitization isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a routine challenge that affects their health, education, and overall well-being. From missing school during menstruation to facing the risk of harassment and disease, poor sanitation creates barriers that hold them back. 

Improved sanitation is more than just access to clean facilities; it’s a powerful tool for empowerment. It enables women to participate fully in society, attend school consistently, stay healthy, and live with dignity. As we strive for gender equality and sustainable development, addressing sanitation is not just necessary, it is urgent. 

In this blog, we will explain how improving sanitation infrastructure can create a ripple effect of positive change for women and girls worldwide.

Poor sanitation affects women in low- and middle-income countries in multiple ways. With limited access to clean and safe toilets, millions face serious health risks, including higher rates of urinary tract infections and other illnesses. It also hinders menstrual hygiene management, often resulting in stigma, discomfort, and increased vulnerability to infections.

Also, lack of proper sanitation endangers women’s safety, exposing them to risks like harassment or attacks when forced to use open spaces, especially at night. Furthermore, it also limits their economic opportunities, as time spent managing sanitation needs or caring for the sick reduces their ability to work, attend school, or engage in daily activities, obstructing their social and economic empowerment.

Firstly, NGOs working on sanitation should prioritize educating women and girls about menstrual hygiene and related health practices. Second, increased investment is needed to improve sanitation infrastructure, especially in low and middle-income countries.

This involves building safe, hygienic toilets, ensuring access to clean water, and establishing effective waste management systems. It also requires challenging menstrual stigma by promoting affordable, eco-friendly products such as reusable pads and menstrual cups.

A report by WaterAid India aims to create awareness regarding the menstrual product landscape in India for women and girls to start making an informed choice as per their needs. 

Moreover, actively involving women in the process of improving sanitation is essential. Their insights and experiences should guide the development of effective sanitation policies and programs. This means collaborating with them to create innovative, culturally sensitive solutions and actively involving them in planning and decision-making.

Finally, it’s crucial to address the deep-rooted gender inequalities that lead to poor sanitation outcomes for women. This means challenging harmful social norms that fuel discrimination, exclusion, and gender-based violence, while also promoting women’s leadership and empowerment across all levels of society.

Ultimately, inadequate sanitation poses a major barrier to the health, safety, and economic progress of women in low- and middle-income countries. By investing in improved sanitation, empowering women, and tackling gender inequality, we can build a world where every woman has the resources to thrive, paving the way for a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse future.