Every 19 November, World Toilet Day reminds us of a reality that is too often ignored: nearly half of the world's population still does not have access to safe toilets. The consequences are severe, especially for women, girls and people who are already in vulnerable situations.

A global challenge that remains urgent

The slogan chosen this year by the UN-Water campaign, «We will always need toilets,» highlights a persistent challenge: 3.4 billion people still do not have access to reliable sanitation services (WHO/UNICEF 2025).

Latrine in Koh Long, Cambodia. ©CRedmond

Investing in appropriate and resilient infrastructure is essential to limit the spread of disease, prevent violence, and cope with the effects of climate change.

What you need to know:

•  The decline in water resources is destabilising existing sanitation systems.
• Rising sea levels and increasingly severe natural disasters are weakening or destroying infrastructure (toilets, sewers, treatment plants).
• Some sanitation processes themselves contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
• 354 million people still defecate in the open, exposing their communities to serious health risks.
• Unsanitary conditions and poor hygiene are responsible for the deaths of 000 children under the age of five every day (WHO, 2023).

Children wash their hands in Beng District, Oudomxay Province, Laos. © Prasith Chin

Access to toilets: a fundamental right, not a luxury!

Having access to safe and appropriate sanitation facilities is a fundamental right. When this right is not respected, it is women, girls and people with disabilities who pay the price: risks of violence, stigmatisation, dropping out of school, loss of dignity.

In order to guarantee equitable access for all, it is essential to develop sustainable infrastructure that is resilient to climate hazards and designed to meet a variety of needs.

Menstrual hygiene at school

In many regions, the lack of suitable toilets in schools is a major obstacle to girls' education.

Action Education is working to change this reality by building separate or single-sex toilets and providing education on menstrual hygiene. These actions enable students to have a safe environment, manage their menstrual cycle without embarrassment or danger, and stay in school, even during their periods.

Latrine in Antsahafilo, Madagascar. © Rado Raveloarijaona

According to UNESCO, 1 in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa regularly misses school during her menstrual cycle, which can amount to up to % of absences in a year. A lack of support or information, unsanitary facilities and a lack of appropriate hygiene products even cause some students to drop out.

«When I have my period, I often miss school. The toilets are dirty and far away, and I'm afraid of being teased if I stain my clothes. I prefer to stay at home until my period is over.» Testimony from a Year 6 pupil, Benin

The AGIR Benin project: training, raising awareness, providing support

As part of the AGIR project, Action Education is carrying out structural initiatives in 80 schools in the departments of Atacora and Atlantique, with tangible results: improved communication within families, better management of menstrual pain, access to water in schools, and a reduction in absenteeism.

Key figures:

• 880 girls supported (Year 4, Year 5, Year 6)
• 128 resource persons trained (teachers, AME, sales assistants)
• 3,840 mothers educated about menstruation, health and hygiene

«The school now has water, so she can wash herself before changing her towel.’
Testimonial from a pupil's mother

A global challenge that is still far from being overcome

In Benin, only 16% of the population has access to safely managed sanitation services (UN-Water, 2024). Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region lagging furthest behind in this area.
To achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) – ensuring universal access to water and sanitation by 2030 – will require accelerating investment, strengthening public policies, and continuing the work carried out by grassroots organisations such as Action Education.