WASH intersects with all SDGs – this publication is part of an IDS Working Paper series that looks at the intersection of sanitation and other fields.
This paper explores the relationship between accessible sanitation and disability-inclusive employment in Bangladesh and Nigeria.
Both countries have sanitation and hygiene challenges as well as disability-inclusive employment challenges, but the existing evidence on the intersection of these issues that is focused on Nigeria and Bangladesh is extremely limited. Building on the literature where this complex issue is addressed, this paper presents the findings of a qualitative pilot study undertaken in Nigeria and Bangladesh. It focuses on the need for toilets at work that are easy for people with disabilities to use in poor countries.
These are sometimes called accessible toilets. Accessible sanitation is not regarded as a challenge that must be addressed by people with disabilities themselves, but as a challenge that must be addressed by many people working together – including governments, employers, and the community.
- Employers must provide accessible sanitation as per national laws and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
- The capacity of organisations of people with disabilities (OPDs) to advocate for accessible sanitation needs to be built.
- Collaboration between relevant stakeholders must be strengthened.
- Governments must ensure anti-discrimination legislation is acted upon and that the issue of accessible sanitation in the workplace is addressed as a priority.
- Guidance and support should be given to people with disabilities to realise their rights with regards to accessible sanitation and employment.
- NGOs and organisations of people with disabilities (OPDs) must demonstrate best practice with regards to inclusive hygiene facilities.
- NGOs must consider accessible sanitation when planning disability-inclusive employment projects.
