The first step in ensuring inclusive toilet facilities is understanding the diverse needs of the LGBTQ+ community. For transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, using the men's or women's toilet can be distressing and even unsafe.
With a diverse global clientele, creating an inclusive environment has become a strategic investment. No matter how beautiful or scenic or exciting a country is, if it is perceived as 'unsafe', you aren't going to plan a holiday there.
One of our most basic needs is sanitation. Toilets form the bedrock of human dignity, health, and well-being. As António Guterres, United Nations' Secretary-General writes eloquently, toilets save lives. However, not everyone possesses access to secure and inclusive toilets that cater to their diverse needs and preferences.
Shockingly, 64% of LGBTQ+ students have experienced discrimination or ridicule, with 92% enduring mocking, 59% enduring bullying, and 26% facing social exclusion. Perhaps most troubling is the fact that 36% of these students choose to keep their true selves hidden, afraid to reveal their identities due to the lack of LGBTQ+ friendliness on campus.
In this article, we will delve into the importance of safe and inclusive toilets in schools, explore the impact of menstrual health management on girls' education, and discuss the transformative efforts of Mission Swachhta aur Paani, a Harpic India & News18 initiative, in creating safe and inclusive school environments through toilet inclusivity.