World Toilet Day

World Toilet Day History

World Toilet Day is an annual observance aimed at raising awareness about the crucial need for proper sanitation facilities and the staggering number of people worldwide still living without access to them. This global campaign emphasizes the importance of implementing safe and sustainable sanitation solutions while addressing the taboos surrounding sanitation and hygiene practices. With improved sanitation being one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the observance of World Toilet Day encourages policymakers, organizations, and communities to collaborate and commit to transformative actions.

Established by the World Toilet Organization in 2001, World Toilet Day was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2013. In India, where an estimated 44% of the total population still lacks access to basic sanitation, the day holds special significance. The government has launched various initiatives, like the Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Movement), aiming to ensure access to toilets for every household and improve overall hygiene practices across the nation. World Toilet Day in India serves as an opportunity to assess the progress made in achieving these goals while intensifying efforts and mobilizing resources to bridge the gap for millions of people who still lack access to a safe and dignified sanitation facility.

Every year, various activities and events are organized throughout India on World Toilet Day to actively involve citizens, schoolchildren, civil society organizations, and government officials in addressing the sanitation crisis. These events include awareness drives, cleanliness campaigns, school workshops, and community toilet construction initiatives. Through these endeavors, the aim is to encourage conversations around the importance of sanitation and inspire collective action towards achieving universal access to toilets for a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous India. World Toilet Day is observed on the 19th of November, and as a member of the global community, India actively participates in and contributes to this significant observance.

World Toilet Day facts

• The theme for World Toilet Day in 2023 was Accelerating Change.
• 1 in 8 people in the world practice open defecation, meaning that the person must relieve him/herself without cover or shelter from other people.
• Diarrhea is the second leading cause of deaths in children under age 5 in developing countries. Diarrhea is primarily due to poor hygiene and sanitation
• The lack of toilets also impacts women disproportionately, as they often face unsafe conditions in search of privacy to relieve themselves. Proper toilet facilities are necessary for ensuring the safety, dignity, and inclusion of women in society.
• The lack of proper toilet facilities has been linked to various health problems, including diarrheal diseases, malnutrition, and stunted growth in children. Improved sanitation is critical for better health outcomes in India.

In the News and Trending in India for World Toilet Day

Top things to do in India for World Toilet Day

• Spread awareness by using the hashtag #WorldToiletDay, #WeCantWait and #ToiletAccessIsARight.
• Read a book about toilets and the importance of sanitation. Some suggestions are: Sanitation & Water Supply in Low-Income Countries, Sitting Pretty An Uninhibited History of the Toilet and The Big Necessity.
• Organize campaigns to distribute hygiene kits, sanitary napkins, or handwashing materials to promote cleanliness and good hygiene practices.
• Encourage communities to participate in government initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) and actively contribute to achieving the goal of providing toilets for all.