Sanitation and Hygiene

World Water Week serves as a reminder of the impact that access to clean water can have around the globe. Water is not just a resource; it is the essence of this planet and its community. Its availability and quality can shape one's life, determining health, education, and economic development.

The feminine hygiene industry in India is a substantial sector, currently valued at an impressive INR 7300 crores and projected to reach INR 13200 crores by 2030. However, this growth is accompanied by an unexpected downside – a significant buildup of menstrual waste in landfills.

Access to improved water and sanitation continues to be a challenge with 26 percent of the world’s population (2 billion) not having access to safe drinking water services, and an estimated 46 percent (3.6 billion) lacking access to safely managed sanitation (UN-Water, 2023).

“Achaar matt chhuo”, “Avoid taking a head shower”, “Don’t go to places of worship”

In the heart of rural India, the fight for access to clean water and adequate sanitation frequently determines daily routines. These basic necessities have always been the responsibility of women, who walk great distances to obtain water and manage home cleanliness with limited funds. But today, their role is undergoing a remarkable transformation.

In the race against time to ensure safe access to sanitation, reminiscent of the tenacious hummingbird who does what she can to fight the great fire – carrying droplets of water in her beak, collective efforts and private sector engagement emerge as pivotal forces.

WaterAid India is a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming lives by improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. The organisation focuses on marginalised and vulnerable communities, striving to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to these essential services.

Communication technologies aid fisherfolk in Kerala to remain safe during the monsoons

According to the World Bank (2020), 49% of the urban population in India, resides in slums. The urban slum dweller’s desire for a better life has only been partially fulfilled, as people continue to fight for necessities such as clean drinking water and adequate toilets.

The prevalence of open defecation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including India, is one of the main barriers to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6) by 2030. In South and Central Asia, India is found to practise open defecation at a high rate (16%) compared to both the regional average (12%) and the global average (6%).