WIWAS is committed to ensuring that all women and girls have access to safe, private, and hygienic sanitation facilities. Inadequate sanitation facilities pose significant health risks and safety concerns, especially for women and girls, who are often the most vulnerable in communities lacking proper sanitation. The absence of clean and private toilets can lead to increased rates of diseases, harassment, and violence, particularly affecting the dignity and well-being of women and girls.
Our efforts focus on:
- School Sanitation Programs: We work with schools to build and maintain gender-segregated toilets and handwashing stations, ensuring that girls can manage their menstrual health in a safe and private environment, thereby reducing dropout rates.
- Community Sanitation Projects: We support the construction of community toilets, especially in rural and urban slum areas, where access to private sanitation facilities is limited. These projects include maintenance plans to ensure long-term usability.
- Hygiene Education Campaigns: We run educational programs that teach proper sanitation practices, the importance of hygiene, and the safe disposal of waste. These campaigns are aimed at both adults and children to foster community-wide health improvements.
- Women’s Safety Initiatives: We advocate for the placement of sanitation facilities in safe, well-lit, and accessible locations to reduce the risk of harassment and violence against women and girls.
- Policy and Advocacy: We work with local and national governments to develop and implement policies that ensure the provision and maintenance of adequate sanitation facilities, with a focus on gender-sensitive approaches.
By focusing on improved sanitation facilities, WIWAS aims to create environments where women and girls can live with dignity, free from the fear of disease and violence. Access to proper sanitation is crucial for health, safety, and overall well-being, and it is an essential step toward achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls in every community.
