While a lot of people would argue that women have achieved equality in the workplace and have nothing to complain about, female lawyers in the new court complex in Ooty are struggling to get separate working toilets for women in the building. It makes sense that many women in the past were hesitant to venture outside their houses for prolonged activities in public places because of the lack of public toilets. There is a connection between the challenges women suffer from at public restrooms, or from the lack of it, and men's attempts to prevent them from fully engaging in activities away from the home. 

What happened in Ooty is not just limited to that specific workplace, women have been struggling every single day to maintain their genital hygiene in an inexpensive and accessible way. The Madras High Court registry was ordered by the Supreme Court to submit a thorough report on the steps taken to rectify the shortage of restrooms for female attorneys in the Nilgiris Court Complex in Ooty, Tamil Nadu. The apex court argued that the earlier registrar general report was vague about the facilities for female lawyers in the new court complex and whether or not those facilities had decreased from their earlier availability. Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal's vacation bench ordered the registry to submit the report by 11th June, 2023. 

Rekha Sharma, the chair of the National Commission for Women (NCW), wrote to the Registrar General of the Madras High Court requesting action to address the lack of restrooms for female attorneys in the Nilgiris Court Complex. The NCW chief pointed out in the letter that although the court complex, which opened in 2022, has many amenities, there isn't a separate lavatory for women. The letter detailed the "undignified and uncomfortable" situation that women lawyers were forced to work in while carrying out their professional responsibilities. It also mentioned the 25-year-old demands for restrooms in Nilgiris by female attorneys. However, the need for separate public toilets hasn't been met, violating human rights and making it difficult for them to carry out their job duties. Additionally, NCW stressed how important it was to create an inclusive workplace environment as well as suitable lavatory facilities for women lawyers. The NCW emphasises the importance of providing all legal practitioners with convenient, separate restrooms.

What does the lack of public toilets mean for women in general?

The lack of public toilets for women is considered a feminist issue because it reflects and perpetuates gender inequality and discrimination. Here are some key reasons why this is the case:

1. Gender-Specific Needs: Women have unique biological needs that require access to clean and functional toilets. For instance, women may need to use toilets for urination, menstrual hygiene, breastfeeding, and diaper-changing for infants. The lack of sufficient and well-equipped public toilets denies women the ability to fulfil these basic bodily functions comfortably and safely.
2. Safety and Security: Women often face specific safety concerns in public spaces, including public toilets. Inadequate lighting, lack of surveillance, and secluded or poorly maintained facilities can make women more vulnerable to harassment, assault, or other forms of violence. Insufficient or unsafe public toilets can limit women's mobility and their ability to participate fully in public life, reinforcing gender-based restrictions and perpetuating a culture of fear and inequality.
3. Access to Public Spaces: Access to clean and accessible public toilets is crucial for women's equal access to public spaces, including workplaces, schools, parks, transportation hubs, and recreational areas. Inadequate toilet facilities can discourage women from participating in public life, limiting their opportunities for education, employment, social interactions, and overall well-being.‍
4. Reinforcing Gender Stereotypes: The lack of public toilets for women can reinforce traditional gender roles and expectations. When women are forced to navigate a scarcity of facilities or resort to using inadequate alternatives like public urination or unhygienic makeshift options, it perpetuates the idea that women's needs are secondary, unimportant, or not worthy of consideration. This reinforces the gendered notion that women should accommodate and adapt to the needs of men, rather than demanding equal treatment and resources. It only insinuates that the society still caters to male dominance and implicitly states that a woman’s place is not in the public but back at home.

Addressing the lack of public toilets for women is essential for advancing gender equality and challenging societal norms that restrict women's autonomy, safety, and participation. Feminist activism seeks to highlight and rectify these inequalities by advocating for the provision of sufficient, safe, and inclusive public toilets that meet the diverse needs of women and promote equal access and opportunities for all genders.

Why is it a big problem?

In India, many women face significant challenges when it comes to accessing basic hygiene products. Factors such as limited financial resources, lack of awareness, and social stigma contribute to the inaccessibility of essential items like sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene products. This issue not only affects women's physical health and comfort but also hampers their ability to attend school or work, limiting their opportunities for education and economic empowerment. Addressing this problem requires a multi-faceted approach that includes improving affordability, education, and breaking down societal taboos surrounding menstruation to ensure that all Indian women can access and afford the necessary hygiene products without facing undue barriers. The lack of toilets has significant implications for the genital health of women.

1. Infections and Diseases: Inadequate access to clean and hygienic toilets can increase the risk of infections and diseases that affect women's genital health. Without proper sanitation facilities, women may resort to open defecation or use unhygienic alternatives, exposing them to pathogens and contaminants that can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), vaginal infections, and other reproductive health issues.
2. Menstrual Hygiene Management: In the absence of clean toilets, women may struggle to change sanitary products regularly, clean themselves adequately, and maintain good menstrual hygiene practices. This can lead to infections, skin irritations, and other complications related to menstruation.
3. Reproductive Health: Poor sanitation conditions can also impact women's reproductive health. Inadequate access to toilets and sanitation facilities during pregnancy and childbirth can increase the risk of complications, infections, and postpartum health issues. Additionally, the absence of clean and private spaces for breastfeeding or infant care can negatively affect both maternal and child health.
4. Psychological and Emotional Impact: The stress and discomfort associated with not having access to safe and private toilets can lead to anxiety, embarrassment, and a diminished sense of dignity. This can affect women's mental well-being and overall quality of life.

Addressing the lack of toilets is crucial for safeguarding women's genital health and overall well-being. It requires providing clean and accessible toilets with adequate sanitation facilities, promoting menstrual hygiene management education, and challenging societal taboos and stigmas around reproductive health. By ensuring women have access to hygienic toilets, we can significantly improve their genital health, reduce the risk of infections and diseases, and promote gender equality and dignity. The problem women face in Ooty is much larger than just not meeting the basic needs of women. By not providing the basic amenities, we, as a society, are ensuring that less and less women step outside their houses to work and make a living, and that cycle must break now. 

References:

1. New Indian Express
2. Economic Times 
3. Digital Commons
4. Indian Express
5. India Times
6. Twitter
7. Twitter
8. Twitter

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