Sanitation for Babli

Can we imagine a country with more than 50% of the population having no access to basic toilet facilities aspiring to be the next super power? While it is very convenient to say that the centre of world power is shifting towards the east, we are far away from being a country that can proudly claim that its people are leading a healthy, safe and dignified lifestyle. One of the most pressing issue that India is facing today is "Open defecation". And who is troubled the most? Yes, the female community. The poor sanitation is not the only concern. The young women often have to leave their home at dark putting their dignity and safety at risk. Can you recall that recent incident when two teenage girls in UP were raped and murdered after they left their village to go to an open field to defecate? The Babli of India is not safe. Think about her state of mind. She's living in absolute fear amidst the danger of some of the most dreadful diseases. Hygiene is an alien concept to her because of lack of basic toilet facilities. How will she prepare herself to fight with the future that is dark and gloomy. And are we aware? Do we know that there are 45 countries where sanitation coverage is less than 50%? Do we know almost 5000 children die daily in India of which Diarrhea alone is responsible for 13% death. Poor sanitation and lack of basic facilities such as washing hands with soap and drinking clean water are some of the major reasons behind these deaths. How can the children be safe when the women themselves are not equipped?

It is not that nothing is being done. The government is aware of the issue and is doing everything to solve it. But is that enough? Who else shall bear the responsibility? It cannot be just the government and the few NGOs. Efforts of private sector and social enterprises are equally important. In this respect the efforts of 'Domex Toilet Academy (DTA) programme' are well appreciable. Their aim is to promote the demand for sanitation at the community level by adopting the three core elements of their CATS program: Triggering, Behavior Change and Promoting Sanitation. We can also help Babli in this mission by just one click on "Contribute now" in http://www.domex.in/. With every click Domex will donate Rs.5 to eradicate open defecation, thereby helping kids like Babli live a dignified life. This is the least one can do. We, as a privileged citizen of this country, are expected to be more apprised of the issue & its critical nature and thereby raise awareness to the maximum extent. I am happy to see HUL committing to the change. But we need even more of such initiatives to bring about complete turnover. And I believe if each of us pledge towards complete eradication of open defecation, in no time, we can become the super-power of the world. Our Prime Minister has rightly remarked, "The attempt to give dignity to the poor starts from provision of proper sanitation".