Critical need for women's community bathrooms

While construction of toilets has received a lot of attention in India's sanitation campaigns in recent times, another important sanitation need, that of bathrooms, has not received the same attention.

- BHARAT DOGRA

While construction of toilets has received a lot of attention in India's sanitation campaigns in recent times, another important sanitation need, that of bathrooms, has not received the same attention. This has happened despite the fact that the non-availability of adequate and properly covered bathing spaces in the homes of weaker sections results in several problems for the women of these families.

When they have no other option but to take their bath in more or less open places exposed to the view of passers-by, women cannot have a proper bath. The essential requirements of sanitation and proper hygiene cannot be met in a hurriedly completed bath in an open space. Such problems can be even more for adolescent girls or young girls. In addition, problems can increase for women who are unwell.