Addressing the Unique WASH Needs of Adolescent Girls and Women in Hyderabad’s Informal Settlements
Upholding Dignity through Inclusive WASH Interventions
Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services are essential for maintaining health and well-being, yet many communities around the world continue to face significant challenges in accessing these basic necessities. This problem is especially acute in urban informal settlements, where marginalized populations often lack adequate infrastructure and support.
Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana state in India, is home to a large number of informal settlements, where hundreds of thousands of residents – primarily women, girls, and children – face daily struggles to manage their water, sanitation, and hygiene needs. These communities are characterized by high population density, substandard housing, limited access to basic services, and widespread poverty. The unique WASH-related challenges faced by adolescent girls and women in these settlements are especially concerning, as poor menstrual hygiene management (MHM) can have serious implications for their health, education, and overall quality of life.
Through a collaborative partnership with local community organizations, our team embarked on an in-depth exploration of the WASH landscape in Hyderabad’s informal settlements. By engaging directly with residents, we gained invaluable insights into the barriers, needs, and aspirations of adolescent girls and women in these underserved communities. This article shares the key findings from our research and outlines a holistic, community-driven approach to addressing the WASH disparities faced by this vulnerable population.
Overcoming Barriers to Inclusive WASH Services
Lack of Access to Adequate Sanitation Facilities
One of the most pressing WASH challenges faced by residents of Hyderabad’s informal settlements is the severe shortage of safe, private, and functional sanitation facilities. Many households lack access to individual toilets, forcing women and girls to resort to open defecation or shared, poorly maintained community toilets.
“We have to walk all the way to the community toilet, which is often dirty and overcrowded. It’s not safe, especially at night.” – Razia, resident of Banjara Hills informal settlement
The situation is further exacerbated during the menstrual cycle, as women and girls struggle to find private spaces to change and dispose of sanitary products. The lack of gender-segregated facilities and adequate lighting in communal toilets compromises their safety and dignity.
Insufficient Access to Clean Water
Reliable access to clean water is another fundamental concern in these settlements. Households often rely on shared public taps or water tankers, leading to long queues, limited supply, and water quality issues. This scarcity disproportionately impacts women and girls, who bear the primary responsibility for water collection and management within the home.
“We have to wait for hours just to fill a few buckets of water. It’s so tiring, and we can’t spare the time to focus on other important tasks.” – Sheila, resident of Golconda informal settlement
The lack of water also hinders proper menstrual hygiene practices, as women and girls are unable to regularly wash and change their sanitary products, increasing the risk of infections and other health problems.
Inadequate Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Support
Deeply rooted cultural taboos and limited access to menstrual health education and products compound the challenges faced by adolescent girls and women in these settlements. Many rely on improvised, unhygienic materials during their periods, further jeopardizing their physical and emotional well-being.
“We can’t afford to buy sanitary pads every month. Using old clothes or rags is the only option, but it’s so uncomfortable and embarrassing.” – Priya, resident of Charminar informal settlement
The absence of MHM-friendly infrastructure, such as private changing rooms and secure disposal facilities, further exacerbates the situation, trapping women and girls in a cycle of discomfort, shame, and limited opportunities.
Amplifying Community Voices and Fostering Inclusive Solutions
To address these multifaceted WASH challenges, our team adopted a community-driven approach that emphasized the active participation of adolescent girls, women, and other marginalized groups. By actively listening to their experiences, needs, and ideas, we were able to co-create innovative, context-appropriate solutions that upheld their dignity and empowered them as agents of change.
Establishing Community-Led WASH Committees
One of the key interventions was the formation of community-led WASH committees in each informal settlement. These diverse committees, comprising residents from various backgrounds, served as hubs for needs assessment, prioritization, and collaborative problem-solving.
“Being part of the WASH committee has given us a voice. We can now work together to identify our problems and find solutions that work for our community.” – Fatima, resident of Banjara Hills informal settlement
The committees played a crucial role in facilitating dialogues, building trust, and fostering a sense of ownership among the residents. They also acted as liaisons between the community and local authorities, advocating for improved WASH services and infrastructure.
Designing Gender-Responsive WASH Facilities
Drawing on the community’s insights and needs, our team worked closely with local engineers and urban planners to design and implement gender-responsive WASH facilities. This included the construction of public toilets with separate stalls for men and women, adequate lighting, and discrete menstrual product disposal mechanisms.
“The new community toilet has made such a difference in our lives. We feel safe and comfortable using it, and it has helped us maintain our dignity during menstruation.” – Nisha, resident of Golconda informal settlement
The facilities were strategically located in central, easily accessible areas, and their design incorporated feedback from adolescent girls and women to ensure their specific needs were met.
Empowering Women through MHM Education and Product Distribution
Recognizing the critical importance of menstrual health and hygiene, we implemented a comprehensive MHM program within the informal settlements. This involved delivering educational workshops on the biological aspects of menstruation, dispelling myths and taboos, and promoting the use of safe, affordable sanitary products.
“The MHM sessions have been a game-changer for us. We now understand the importance of maintaining good menstrual hygiene and how to use products like reusable pads and menstrual cups.” – Priya, resident of Charminar informal settlement
In addition to the educational component, we facilitated the distribution of free menstrual products, including reusable pads and menstrual cups, to ensure that all women and girls had access to the resources they needed to manage their periods with dignity.
Strengthening Community Resilience through WASH Entrepreneurship
To foster long-term sustainability and community ownership, we supported the establishment of WASH-based microenterprises within the informal settlements. This included training residents, particularly women, in the production and sale of affordable, eco-friendly sanitary products, as well as the management of community-operated water and sanitation facilities.
“Being part of the community enterprise has empowered me to take control of my own income and help address WASH challenges in my neighborhood.” – Razia, resident of Banjara Hills informal settlement
These entrepreneurial initiatives not only improved access to essential WASH services but also created sustainable livelihood opportunities for marginalized community members, further strengthening their resilience and self-reliance.
Towards a Future of Inclusive WASH for All
The experiences and insights gained through our collaborative work in Hyderabad’s informal settlements have underscored the critical need for a holistic, community-driven approach to addressing the unique WASH challenges faced by adolescent girls and women. By amplifying their voices, co-creating context-specific solutions, and fostering community ownership, we have been able to make significant strides in upholding the dignity and well-being of this vulnerable population.
As we look to the future, it is clear that sustained investment, cross-sectoral collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to inclusive development are essential to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their socioeconomic status or gender, has access to the fundamental WASH services they deserve. By continuing to empower communities, challenge social norms, and advocate for equitable WASH policies, we can build a more just and resilient world where all people can thrive.
