Better sanitation in Bihar through empowerment of women

Bihar is a backward state with 90% of rural population. Only 20% of the families have toilets. Men give least priority for sanitation. Culturally and socially it is a patriarchal society. Total Sanitation Campaign programme was launched in the year 2000 to facilitate and provide sanitary facilities, to every family and to promote hygiene practices. One of the key strategies adopted to increase sanitation coverage is to empower women folks to take responsibility in their hands. The key steps taken for women empowerment includes facilitating and supporting their access, participation, conscientisation and control leading to social change. Strategic partnership was developed with Mahila Samakhaya, Milk Union, Women Development Corporation and NGOs working for women’s issues. 136000 families constructed toilets in Bihar in year 2005-06, mainly through women self help groups. The key lesson learnt is that women participation in decision making can help in sustaining water and sanitation programmes.