The toilet

The sanitation and health condition of the marginalized section of the society is very acute in the Third World Countries. A case in point is the ability to enroll woman for education and primary education. it is true that for any development to be long lasting requires the participation of the woman of the society . In case their participation cannot be ensured then any development is not going to be deep rooted as half the intended beneficiaries have not been made party to the development process. It is in this context that the issue of sanitation assumes importance.

It is true that female enrollment in schools is low and gradually tapers down by the time the girl acquires puberty. One of the most functional problem that a female in third world country faces is the lack of adequate toilets  for them in any public place and in particular the schools. The aspect of cleanliness is not being touched upon as it is less said the better. However it is pertinent to note that separate toilet for girls in schools are next to nonexistent. Now in the absence of toilets the functional problems that the girl faces is simply phenomenal. In fact it is worth imagining that you are suppose to apply yourself to gain knowledge and when it comes to performing the most basic function you are left high and dry. 

At what cost? Going behind the bushes or behind a wall under the prying eyes of all antisocial elements. Thus the basic incentive to go to school is defeated. Even in the schools were the toilets are there they are common and are mostly dominated by the boys. As the girl grows the problem magnifies and as a result they find it better to leave the formal schooling and contribute to the family labour on farms or as labourer.

Thus the sanitation program of the third world country ought to have a very strong input of provisioning of toilets for females in schools and places of education. This is going to give a boost to the education level of females thereby imparting huge push to the various welfare measures being run concurrently.

By Rajiv Tewari