Archive · 2 Sep 2025
Kolkata Public Toilets: Safety and Economic Struggles Highlighted
A recent study in Kolkata revealed that public toilets are problematic for many women and transgender individuals.
Over 70% of women pay a portion of their daily income to use these toilets, which often lack soap, handwash, and cleanliness.
Many also report safety concerns, like missing locks and harassment.
This situation affects women's health and limits their activities, especially those working in the informal sector.
Transgender individuals face specific challenges, with potential rejection and safety risks in both men's and women's restrooms.
The study recommends improvements such as vending machines for sanitary products, better water supply, and female staff deployment.
Over 70% of women pay a portion of their income to use public toilets.
61% of respondents reported lack of soap or hand-wash facilities.
56% of women reported unclean surroundings.
Over half of transgender and queer persons reported harassment.
Many women limit water intake to avoid unhygienic conditions.
- Who
- Women and Transgender/Queer Individuals
- What
- Facing challenges in Kolkata's public toilets regarding hygiene, safety, and cost
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Kolkata, India
- Why
- To assess the state of public sanitation and its impact on vulnerable groups
Current State
Needed Improvements
Public Toilet Conditions
Current State
Toilets often lack essential facilities and safety features, causing hygiene and safety concerns.
Needed Improvements
Public toilets require improved hygiene, safety, and inclusivity, including vending machines, better facilities, and adequate staffing.
- Study Conducted By
- Sabar Institute and Azad Foundation
- Women Paying to Use Toilets
- 72% of women
- Women Reporting No Soap/Handwash
- 61%
- Unclean Surroundings Reported
- 56%
- Trans/Queer Persons Facing Harassment
- Over half reported harassment
- Women Without Toilet Locks
- 38%