Today is World Toilet Day. There are global events being held to raise awareness of the fact that billions of people lack access to basic sanitation. This lack of sanitation disproportionately impacts women due to biological realities of menstruation (and the consequences thereof), pregnancy (and the consequences thereof), and the risk of sexual violence.
These are some of the articles we recommend:
The Everyday Sexism of Women Waiting in Public Toilet Lines by Soraya Chemaly
If you’re a woman, chances are you’ve a) spent time fidgeting in a long line waiting to use a public toilet, b) delayed a bodily function because you don’t want to or haven’t the time to waste standing in line to use a public toilet, c) considered sneaking into a men’s room—illegal in some places, or d) cursed loudly because of all of the above.
Faced with a long restroom line that spiraled up and around a circular stairwell at a recent museum visit, I opted not to wait. Why do we put up with this? This isn’t a minor pet peeve, but a serious question. Despite years of “potty parity” laws, women are still forced to stand in lines at malls, schools, stadiums, concerts, fair grounds, theme parks, and other crowded public spaces. This is frustrating, uncomfortable, and, in some circumstances, humiliating. It’s also a form of discrimination, as it disproportionately affects women. …
Read more Toilets are a feminist issue