Flushing Away Dreams: How Lack of Sanitation Forces Girls Out of Indian Schools

Breaking Barriers: How Lack of Sanitation Forces Girls Out of Indian Public Schools

Education is a fundamental right, yet for millions of girls in India, something as basic as a clean and safe toilet determines whether they stay in school or drop out. While various socio-economic factors contribute to school dropout rates among girls, inadequate sanitation facilities remain one of the most overlooked and pressing issues.

The Scale of the Problem

For many girls in India, especially those attending government-run schools in rural and semi-urban areas, the lack of proper toilets and hygiene facilities is a major roadblock to continuing their education. A 2015 report by Dasra revealed that 23% of girls in India drop out of school upon reaching puberty due to inadequate access to sanitation facilities, clean water, or private toilets. This statistic is staggering, considering that millions of girls enter adolescence without the necessary infrastructure to support their educational journey.

According to the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE), as of 2024, nearly 78,854 schools in India still lack proper toilet facilities for girls. Without a safe and hygienic place to manage their menstrual health, many girls are left with no choice but to miss school. Over time, repeated absenteeism causes them to fall behind in their studies, eventually leading to permanent dropout.

Why Toilets Matter for Girls' Education

For adolescent girls, having access to clean and functional toilets is about more than just convenience—it’s about dignity, health, and safety. When girls do not have a designated space to manage their menstrual hygiene, they are forced to find alternatives that can be both unsafe and unsanitary. Many resort to missing school for a few days every month, resulting in nearly 20% of the academic year lost.

Moreover, in schools where toilets are shared between boys and girls or are in poor condition, girls often feel unsafe using them, especially if they lack doors, running water, or proper waste disposal. The absence of separate and private facilities exposes girls to harassment, embarrassment, and potential health risks such as urinary tract infections, reproductive issues, and general poor hygiene.

A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that a lack of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in schools has long-term consequences on girls' physical health and self-esteem. Many young girls feel ashamed to attend school during their periods, as there is no proper infrastructure to support them. (Source)

The Vicious Cycle of Dropout and Gender Disparity

Once a girl drops out of school, it becomes incredibly difficult for her to return. Dropping out due to sanitation-related reasons often leads to:

Early marriage: Families in rural India may see education as unnecessary for girls, especially once they have stopped attending school. Many girls who leave school early are married off at a young age.
Economic dependence: Without education, these girls often lack the skills to earn a stable income in adulthood, continuing the cycle of financial dependence.
Increased gender disparity: In the long run, the education gap between boys and girls continues to widen, reinforcing societal norms that limit opportunities for women.

A Global Issue with Local Solutions

The issue of sanitation and school attendance among girls is not unique to India. Across sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Southeast Asia, millions of schoolgirls face similar challenges due to a lack of proper hygiene facilities. However, countries like Bangladesh and Kenya have successfully tackled this issue by investing in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs in schools, providing sanitary pads, and educating students about menstrual health.

In India, efforts have been made under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) to improve sanitation facilities in schools. However, there is still a long way to go. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation, calls for universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene for all by 2030. To achieve this, both government initiatives and private interventions are crucial.

What Can Be Done?

Solving this problem requires a multi-pronged approach involving government intervention, corporate and NGO support, and community participation. Some key solutions include:

Building and maintaining sanitation facilities: Constructing separate, clean, and functional toilets for girls in every school should be a priority. However, simply building toilets is not enough—regular maintenance and access to running water, soap, and waste disposal are equally critical.
Providing menstrual hygiene education and resources: Schools should actively educate both boys and girls about menstrual health, breaking the stigma surrounding it. Free sanitary pads, disposal bins, and private changing areas can make a significant difference.
Ensuring policy enforcement and accountability: Many schools claim to have functional toilets, but in reality, they are often locked, broken, or lack basic amenities. Strict policies and accountability measures should be put in place to ensure that sanitation facilities remain operational.
Involving communities and families: Parents and local communities must be made aware of the importance of sanitation and menstrual hygiene. When families understand that their daughters can continue education safely, they are more likely to support it.
Leveraging technology for awareness: Digital platforms, mobile apps, and AI-driven solutions can help track and monitor sanitation facilities, ensuring timely repairs and upkeep. AI can also be used to educate students about hygiene in a more engaging manner.

Conclusion

The lack of proper sanitation facilities in Indian public schools is a critical yet solvable problem that disproportionately affects girls. It is not just about providing toilets—it is about ensuring dignity, safety, health, and equal opportunities for all students. No girl should have to choose between her education and her well-being.

By investing in proper sanitation infrastructure and menstrual hygiene education, India can break this cycle and empower millions of girls to complete their education, leading to a more equal, prosperous, and developed society. Education is the key to breaking generational poverty, and no girl should be denied this right because of something as basic as a toilet.

It is time to ensure that no girl is left behind because of a lack of sanitation.