The first time I saw open defecation was in a slum in Delhi. I was taken aback. I had always heard about open defecation, but until that point I had never seen it and couldn’t imagine it happening in an overly crowded urban area. It was also at that moment that I knew I had to learn as much as possible about the ways in which people use the bathroom, if they have one at all.
2.5 billion people lack improved sanitation and 1 billion people do not have access to a bathroom and must resort to the undignified practice of open defecation. There are 7 billion people on the planet.
Women who must defecate in the open and who also have to use the community toilets are at increased risk of violence and rape.
When I visit communities and families in low-income countries I always look for toilets and latrines to see the conditions in which people relieve themselves. Below are some photos of toilets I took in India, Ethiopia, Philippines, and South Africa.
Community toilet – Alexandra Township – Johannesburg, South AfricaCommunity toilet – Alexandra Township – Johannesburg, South AfricaCommunity toilet – Alexandra Township – Johannesburg, South Africa
Community toilet – Alexandra Township – Johannesburg, South AfricaPit Latrine – Ziway, EthiopiaCommunity toilets – Alexandra Township – Johannesburg, South AfricaHousehold pit latrine – Dulag, PhilippinesThe household pit latrine will no longer be used. An outside bathroom is being built with a septic system in rural Dulag, Philippines.The household pit latrine will no longer be used. An outside bathroom is being built with a septic system in rural Dulag, Philippines.Visiting this Community Toilet Complex (CTC) in a slum in central Delhi was an eye-opener. This CTC was one of the cleaner ones in Delhi. Children get to use the toilet and shower for free. It costs 1 rupee for women and 2 rupees for men to use the toilet. WaterAid funds FORCE, a New Delhi-based water organization to monitor the conditions of select CTCs throughout the city.This woman has a model home in Hawassa, Ethiopia. One reason she has a model home is because she has a latrine away from her main house.
These were somewhat common in rural areas in the US 1-2 generations ago. I didn’t know that there were so many people still using unsanitary facilities to clean up and defecate. Interesting read.
When I think about it, 1 billion is a lot of people who must endure these unsanitary and potentially dangerous conditions. I don’t think I’ll take the toilet for granted again.
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