RIGHT TO PEE (RTP)
Improving access to safe, clean and hygienic public sanitation facilities for women In the bustling city of Mumbai, the Right To Pee (RTP) initiative works to improve access to clean, hygienic and safe public sanitation facilities for women.
Who Does It Benefit?
Women in Mumbai often face challenges in accessing adequate public sanitation facilities. The availability, affordability, cleanliness and safety of these facilities can significantly affect women’s everyday mobility, health and wellbeing.
RTP works to understand these challenges through community engagement, field-based research and documentation, while increasing awareness of women’s sanitation needs.
The programme seeks to contribute to women’s health, dignity, safety and equitable access to public sanitation facilities.
The RTP Approach
The Right To Pee (RTP) initiative brings together community members and relevant stakeholders to identify challenges related to women’s access to public, and community, sanitation and explore practical solutions.
Our approach combines community participation, research, awareness building, stakeholder engagement and constructive dialogue with public institutions.
Through these efforts, RTP seeks to strengthen understanding of women’s sanitation needs and contribute to improvements in urban sanitation facilities and practices.
RTP Strategies in Motion
Mapping Toilets
Our grassroots team conducts surveys and mapping exercises to understand the availability, accessibility and condition of public as well as community sanitation facilities across Mumbai.
The information collected provides insights into existing sanitation facilities and areas where improvements may be required.
These findings are shared with relevant stakeholders to support informed planning, decision-making and improvements in public sanitation.
The mapping process also helps highlight the importance of incorporating gender-sensitive approaches into urban sanitation planning.
Engaging Through Media
RTP uses mainstream and digital media to increase awareness about women’s sanitation needs.
Through media interactions, digital platforms and engagement with journalists and other stakeholders, the programme shares information, experiences and field-based insights related to public sanitation.
These efforts help encourage greater public understanding and constructive discussion around improving sanitation facilities for women.
Institutional and Partner Engagement
RTP has engaged with relevant organisations and institutions on issues related to sanitation, menstrual hygiene and the safe disposal of sanitary products.
The programme has also participated in efforts to encourage improved disposal mechanisms for sanitary products and greater awareness of appropriate sanitation practices.
Through such engagement, RTP contributes field-based perspectives and encourages stakeholders to consider practical measures that can improve sanitation outcomes.
Raising Awareness
RTP uses a range of community-based approaches to raise awareness and encourage dialogue on sanitation and related issues. These include community wall paintings, cultural performances, educational activities, and other outreach initiatives that help share information and promote greater awareness within communities.
Engagement in Sanitation Planning and Training
RTP has shared its field-based experience and insights through discussions and committees related to urban sanitation and gender-sensitive planning. The programme has also contributed to training and learning processes for municipal sanitation personnel, with a focus on strengthening awareness of gender-sensitive sanitation practices and improving service delivery.