Understanding the Challenges Faced by Vulnerable Groups
Informal settlements around the world are home to some of the most marginalized and vulnerable populations, facing significant barriers in accessing essential water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Among these vulnerable groups, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the elderly often face disproportionate challenges in meeting their unique WASH needs.
In Hyderabad’s informal settlements, PWDs and the elderly grapple with a complex web of physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers that impede their ability to safely and independently access WASH facilities. Many informal settlements lack accessible infrastructure, with poorly designed or maintained toilets and water points that are difficult for those with mobility, visual, or hearing impairments to navigate. “The toilet is too small for my wheelchair, and I can never reach the tap to wash my hands,” shares Jyoti, a 67-year-old resident of Bholakpur slum.
Beyond the physical barriers, PWDs and the elderly also face social stigma and exclusion, with WASH-related information and services often failing to cater to their specific requirements. “No one ever comes to explain to us how to use the new water filter or maintain the community toilet. They just assume we won’t understand,” laments Aisha, a 72-year-old resident of Chanchalguda slum.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, with lockdowns and mobility restrictions limiting the ability of PWDs and the elderly to access vital WASH services. “I used to rely on my neighbors to help me collect water and use the toilet, but now they are too afraid to come close. I feel so isolated and helpless,” expresses Ravi, a 54-year-old resident of Banjara Hills slum who uses a wheelchair.
Bridging the Gap through Collaborative Action
To address the unique WASH needs of PWDs and the elderly in Hyderabad’s informal settlements, a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach is crucial. This requires the active engagement and coordination of formal actors, such as government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), alongside informal community networks and support systems.
Leveraging Formal and Informal Actors
Formal actors, with their technical expertise and resources, can play a vital role in ensuring that WASH infrastructure and services are designed with the needs of PWDs and the elderly in mind. “The municipal corporation has installed a few accessible toilets in our area, but we need more of them and better maintenance,” notes Fatima, a community leader in Chanchalguda slum.
At the same time, informal actors, such as community-based organizations, religious institutions, and local support groups, possess invaluable knowledge of the community’s dynamics and can serve as crucial bridges between vulnerable populations and formal service providers. “Our local self-help group helps the elderly and disabled residents access water and maintain their personal hygiene. We know their specific needs and can advocate for them,” shares Arun, a community volunteer in Banjara Hills slum.
Fostering Complementarity and Collaboration
By harnessing the strengths of both formal and informal actors, a complementary approach can be developed to address the WASH needs of PWDs and the elderly in Hyderabad’s informal settlements. Formal actors can provide technical support, resources, and policy guidance, while informal actors can leverage their community connections to ensure the effective implementation and uptake of WASH interventions.
This collaborative effort can take various forms, such as:
-
Capacity Building: Formal actors can organize training programs for informal caregivers and community volunteers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to support PWDs and the elderly in accessing and maintaining WASH facilities.
-
Co-creation of Solutions: Informal actors can work closely with formal service providers to co-design WASH infrastructure and services that cater to the specific needs of PWDs and the elderly, drawing on their intimate understanding of the community.
-
Inclusive Information Campaigns: Formal actors can collaborate with informal community networks to disseminate WASH-related information and awareness-raising messages in accessible formats, such as braille, audio recordings, and sign language, to reach PWDs and the elderly.
-
Integrated Support Systems: Informal actors can serve as liaisons between vulnerable populations and formal WASH service providers, facilitating the coordination of care and ensuring that PWDs and the elderly can seamlessly access the support they require.
Empowering Vulnerable Groups through Participatory Approaches
Alongside the collaborative efforts of formal and informal actors, it is crucial to empower PWDs and the elderly in Hyderabad’s informal settlements to become active participants in the design and implementation of WASH interventions. This can be achieved through the adoption of participatory approaches that amplify the voices and lived experiences of these vulnerable groups.
Inclusive Community Engagement
Formal actors should actively engage with PWDs and the elderly, seeking their input and feedback on the design and delivery of WASH services. This can be facilitated through the creation of dedicated community advisory committees, where representatives from these vulnerable groups can share their perspectives and advocate for their needs.
“The community meeting held by the NGO was the first time anyone had asked us what we really wanted in the new toilet block. We were able to share our ideas, and now the design is much more accessible,” shares Rajesh, a 62-year-old resident of Bholakpur slum who uses a cane.
Empowering Self-Advocacy
In addition to collaborative efforts, it is essential to empower PWDs and the elderly to advocate for their own WASH-related rights and needs. Formal actors can provide training and support to enable these vulnerable groups to navigate formal service delivery systems, engage with decision-makers, and hold service providers accountable.
“The disability rights workshop helped me understand my rights and how to demand better access to water and sanitation facilities. Now, I’m not afraid to speak up and make my voice heard,” declares Meena, a 45-year-old resident of Banjara Hills slum with a visual impairment.
Conclusion: Towards Inclusive and Sustainable WASH Solutions
Addressing the unique WASH needs of PWDs and the elderly in Hyderabad’s informal settlements requires a comprehensive, collaborative approach that leverages the strengths of both formal and informal actors. By fostering complementarity and empowering these vulnerable groups to participate in the design and implementation of WASH interventions, we can work towards creating more inclusive and sustainable solutions that leave no one behind.
This transformative approach not only benefits PWDs and the elderly but also strengthens the resilience of the entire community, ensuring that everyone in Hyderabad’s informal settlements can access the safe, dignified, and equitable WASH services they deserve.
