They Risk Their Health & Safety Every Day Due To Lack Of Clean Toilets, Uplift These Women & Kids

Every day, before the sun rises and the town awakens, Sushila* heads towards the nearby mangroves. She carries a small flashlight and walks a considerable distance to find a bit of privacy. Sadly, this is her only option despite the risks and unhygienic conditions. Due to the lack of public toilets near her home, she has to take this journey regardless of the weather, insects, snakes and other safety risks that leave her vulnerable.

"This is the harsh reality for thousands of vulnerable women and children in cramped chawls in Maharashtra. About 5,000 to 7,000 families live in these buildings with small homes all close together, with access to just 12 public toilets. The impossibility of this situation forces women to venture out late at night or early in the morning, risking their safety for the simple privilege of using a toilet—a basic necessity we often take for granted. These families, resilient women, and children deserve more, they deserve the security and dignity that comes with access to proper sanitation. " - Deepak Vishwakarma, Founder, Making The Difference

Open Defecation Has A Severe Impact On Their Lives, Leaving Them Exposed & Vulnerable

Open defecation in India has significant impacts, particularly on the lives of women and children. The lack of proper sanitation facilities forces women to defecate in open areas, putting them at risk of harassment, abuse, and compromised dignity.

“The lack of private and safe spaces also affects the education of girls who may miss school during menstruation. Children are also more vulnerable to waterborne diseases due to contaminated surroundings. The psychological impact of having people pass by or watch while you defecate can be severe on these children too.”

In India, approximately 638 million individuals don’t have access to toilets. As a result, 69% of rural residents still defecate in the open, and each year, around 1.5 million children under the age of 5 in India die from sanitation-related illnesses such as diarrhea.

To tackle these severe and urgent issues, Making The Difference has started Mission Rudra, an initiative that is dedicated to eradicating the pressing issue of open defecation in Ganesh Deval Nagar and Jay Ambe Nagar in Bhayander West, and to creating a safer and healthier environment for the women and families in these communities. Their mission is to provide the necessary resources and support these communities to lead better lives.

Give Hundreds Of Families Access To Hygienic Toilets

Through Mission Rudra, MTD wants to install 100 bio-toilets in Ganesh Deval Nagar and Jay Ambe Nagar. A bio-toilet is an advanced system that uses special bacteria to break down human waste in a tank. This process turns the waste into methane gas and water, making it eco-friendly. Unlike regular toilets, bio-toilets save water and contribute to maintaining cleanliness in stations.

This will help hundreds of families have access to hygienic and secure toilets, and give women and children the safety and privacy they deserve. Support MTD’s noble mission to empower these families and give them a healthier life.