Water, Sanitation and Menstrual Hygiene to Bring Dignity and Equity

Janet S. Ausel, PE

• Water: • 748 million people do not have access to improved water

supplies. • Sanitation

• More than 37% of the world’s population or 2.5 billion people do not have access to improved sanitation.

• 15% of the population or 1.1 billion people still practice open defecation

• Hygiene • Studies vary but hand washing with soap can reduce the

risk of diarrheal disease by 30%- 50%

A nearby safe source of water means less: • GBV: sexual violence or harassment • More time for women: Time for microbusiness • More time for girls: School attendance or studying • And of course better health which also means more time

and available resources for school, microbusiness, etc.

A nearby safe latrine means: • Less risk of sexual violence or

harassment over defecating in the open

• More privacy and therefore dignity

• And of course better health which also means more time and available resources for school, microbusiness, etc.

What’s been around since Adam and Eve, impacts nearly half the population, has a major impact on health and dignity, but no one is willing to talk about?

(Background Photo: http://unibathlibrary.wordpress.com/2011/05/04/quiet-study-extended-during-revisionexam-weeks/)

(Background Photo: Nana Ackatia-Armah)

(Booklet Cover Photo: Abdul Gugu)

Hygienically? With privacy? In safety? With dignity?

Water for Kids - Cambodia

Northern Uganda MHM