Archive · 26 May 2025
Mumbai Toilets Fail Women: Poor Sanitation and Lack of Access
In Mumbai, many people struggle to use community toilets.
These toilets are often dirty, lack water and electricity, and are not maintained well.
Women and girls face the most problems because they also need to worry about safety and health.
Some people try to avoid these toilets by reducing their food and water intake.
The government is supposed to maintain these toilets, but sometimes the local communities do not.
There are efforts to improve the toilets, such as by training people to take care of them.
Some believe providing individual toilets in homes is the best solution.
Community toilets in Mumbai are often inadequate, lacking water, electricity, and proper maintenance.
A 2023 report found community toilets are overcrowded, with far more users per seat than recommended guidelines.
Women are disproportionately affected by poor sanitation, facing health and safety issues.
Some community toilets are managed poorly, with user fees sometimes misappropriated, leading to disrepair.
Individual toilets are suggested as a potential solution, though not everyone can afford them.
- Who
- Residents of Mumbai's slums, particularly women and girls, are impacted. Municipal authorities, community organizations, and non-profits are involved.
- What
- Lack of access to clean, functioning toilets in Mumbai's slums, particularly affecting women.
- When
- A 2023 report by Praja Foundation highlighted the issues.
- Where
- Mumbai, India, particularly in slum areas like Ambojwadi and Kurla East.
- Why
- Because of inadequate sanitation facilities, overcrowding, lack of maintenance, and the specific challenges faced by women.
Community Toilets
Individual Toilets
Accessibility
Community Toilets
Some individuals cannot afford or lack space for individual toilets, so community toilets are needed.
Individual Toilets
Individual toilets are the only sustainable and foolproof remedy to Mumbai's sanitation problem.
Community Involvement
Community Toilets
Community toilets can be improved through initiatives that include training residents to take responsibility for toilet maintenance.
Individual Toilets
Individual toilets are better than community toilets as they solve the problem of poor maintenance.
- Praja Foundation Report Year
- 2023
- Avg. Community Toilet Users Per Seat (2023)
- 81 men and 83 women
- Percentage of Community Toilets Without Water Connection
- 69%
- Percentage of Community Toilets Without Electricity
- 60%