A public toilet Credit: Rob Barnes
There largely remains an urgent need for accessible public toilets for people with disabilities, despite the availability of assistive technology.
Advocacy for girl-child education and gender balance in the workplace has recently made significant headlines and notable progress.
A striking example occurred when Dr. Githinji Gitahi, the Global Chief Executive Officer of Amref Health Africa, abruptly left the World Health Assembly stage after discovering he was on an all-male panel.
Dr Gitahi emphasized his commitment to gender balance, stating he would take the same action again in similar circumstances. Do we need to boycott public restrooms to send the inclusivity message too?
In an era where technology empowers us to break down physical limitations, why are we allowing public restrooms to continue as a glaring example of societal exclusion?
The Current State Of Inaccessible Public Restrooms
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF estimate that 2.5 billion people globally require assistive products, projected to rise to 3.5 billion by 2050.
Access, however, is uneven, with as few as 3% in some low-income countries. This lack of accessibility violates the human right to health and sanitation, enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Kenya’s constitution guarantees the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including sanitation (Article 43). However, a 2022 study by Cities for All reveals that 80% of PWDs in developing countries face significant barriers to social participation.
Impact of Inaccessible Public Toilets on People with Disabilities
The absence of accessible features in public toilets creates significant barriers for people with disabilities (PWDs). Those with mobility impairments face an increased likelihood of falls and injuries when trying to use inaccessible toilets.
Additionally, inaccessible toilets can deter PWDs from engaging in social activities, work, education, and public events due to concerns about inadequate restroom access. This situation reinforces the stigma that public spaces are not designed for people with disabilities, further marginalising this group.
While public toilets physically come in many forms, they all serve as a private space within a larger public area that supports physical and mental health and hygiene.
Beyond eliminating bodily waste, people use toilets to administer essential medication, manage menstruation, and care for young children. Despite their importance, toilets are often neglected in the planning, design, and management of public spaces.
Access to appropriate assistive technology is critical for disability inclusion. Assistive technology enables persons with disabilities to access critical services, participate equally in the community, and live with dignity.
Policy Recommendations on public toilets for the disabled.
To ensure that we support inclusion and participation, we need to adopt national public toilet principles.
These principles should prioritize the planning, designing, and maintaining accessible restrooms across cities and suburbs. Engaging a diverse range of stakeholders is crucial. Planners, architects, and designers play a vital role in creating inclusive facilities.
Society needs to embed public toilets in public health legislation. Clear roles and responsibilities must be included to assess local needs across local government areas, open spaces, and transport networks. Conduct an audit of the existing provision of toilets accessible to the public, regardless of ownership or management.
The disparity in inaccessible sanitation is a stain on our progress towards equality. It’s time for action. We can construct public toilets that empower everyone to participate fully in society.