IT’S TIME TO FIGHT: RIGHT TO SAFE TOILETS

22 Jun IT’S TIME TO FIGHT: RIGHT TO SAFE TOILETS

On one of my morning rides to Obalende (an area in Lagos state), a lady got stained in the bus and she was like “I will just go to the restroom (toilet) and change”. Then I had a conversation in my mind: 

(1) I knew there was no public restroom within a 300-meter walking distance except you want to use one belonging to a church or an eatery.

(2) Even if I had missed one, I am confident it is neither clean nor safe.

You will agree with me, because we see it every day, the smell alone sends us packing and we know it is improper behaviour to relieve ourselves by the roadside or in gutters – part of open defecation (a topic for another day). This opens us to our reality that we do not have clean,  safe public restrooms (toilets) for women and girls.

My experience was in an urban city; I can’t imagine what it is like for women and girls in rural areas, maybe worse. 

What is not a safe toilet?

1. It is a toilet that lacks water 
2. It is not easily accessible by women and girls. That is they should not have to walk 300 meters before they get to a toilet.
3. It is not hygienic, that is women and girls are prone to having an infection just by using them.
4. It does not serve the needs of women in situations of menstruation, pregnancy,  and menopause.
5. It is not a protector of dignity or general privacy. 
6. Lacks space. Especially in cases of having to undress before using the toilet, assisting older women and disabled.
7. It is not safe, by location and design.

Research has it that 1 in 3 women lack access to safe toilets.

Why am I talking about safe toilets for women and girls?

It is our right! And to call your attention to this reality. Just as we have advocated for other rights, it is time to fight for the right to clean public restrooms for women and girls.