I was really in a state of shock to read somewhere that many countries across the globe are being labeled as ‘vast toilets’. But the reason was obvious...OPEN DEFECATION :(
I could immediately visualize the situations when most of us notice such cases during journeys that people from nearby villages / communities are defecating in fields, forests, bushes, bodies of water or other open spaces. Infact, we just turn our faces other side just to ignore the scenario. Even when my li'l boy asks me "mumma, why don't they use their TOILETS", "don't they feel ashamed" etc, I tend to snub him for being over-interferring in USELESS matters :( But I seriously admired our newly elected prime minister Mr. Narendra Modi, when he promised- "Toilets First, Temples Later" and decided to support him whole-heartedly.
Why open defecation?
* lack of access to proper sanitation.
* cultural beliefs like building a toilet brings bad luck.
Consequences:
* contracting diseases like diarrhoea and hepatitis.
* no dignity or privacy.
* the probable danger of sexual assault for women :(
* leads to mental and cognitive stunting.
But Domex has finally awakened me towards my responsibility. I have realized that we need to first break the silence to end open defecation. I know I cannot get the toilets constructed for those who have no access to toilets, but definitely I'm utilizing this medium to take action by donating my time and sharing these messages publicly.
About The Domex Toilet Academy
Domex, HUL’s flagship sanitation brand is currently running the Domex Toilet Academy (DTA) programme that was was launched on 19th November 2013. Its purpose is to provide a sustainable and long-term solution for sanitation that benefits the local community and helps stimulate the local economy. The Toilet Academy makes toilets accessible and affordable, while promoting the benefits of clean toilets & good hygiene. Their effort has resulted in bringing the change in the villages of Maharashtra and Orissa and we aim to build 24000 toilets by 2015 in rural areas faced with the problem of open defecation.
Look at Babli's sad face who is waiting for hygienic amenities for herself...
You can bring about the change in the lives of millions of kids, thereby
showing your support for the Domex Initiative. All you need to do is
“click” on the “Contribute Tab” on www.domex.in
and Domex will contribute Rs.5 on your behalf to eradicate open
defecation, thereby helping kids like Babli live a dignified life.
Lets pledge to make India free from open defecation with right policies and social attention and with initiatives like #ToiletForBabli and feel pride for making our villages Open Defecation Free (ODF). A social movement to revolutionize attitudes and behaviors toward sanitation in India is the only way out because practicing good hygiene is as important as worship to God.
This post is exclusively written for Indiblogger's #IndiHappyHours Campaign in association with www.domex.in
Image Source: Donex.in, BBC.com
I could immediately visualize the situations when most of us notice such cases during journeys that people from nearby villages / communities are defecating in fields, forests, bushes, bodies of water or other open spaces. Infact, we just turn our faces other side just to ignore the scenario. Even when my li'l boy asks me "mumma, why don't they use their TOILETS", "don't they feel ashamed" etc, I tend to snub him for being over-interferring in USELESS matters :( But I seriously admired our newly elected prime minister Mr. Narendra Modi, when he promised- "Toilets First, Temples Later" and decided to support him whole-heartedly.
Why open defecation?
* lack of access to proper sanitation.
* cultural beliefs like building a toilet brings bad luck.
Consequences:
* contracting diseases like diarrhoea and hepatitis.
* no dignity or privacy.
* the probable danger of sexual assault for women :(
* leads to mental and cognitive stunting.
But Domex has finally awakened me towards my responsibility. I have realized that we need to first break the silence to end open defecation. I know I cannot get the toilets constructed for those who have no access to toilets, but definitely I'm utilizing this medium to take action by donating my time and sharing these messages publicly.
About The Domex Toilet Academy
Domex, HUL’s flagship sanitation brand is currently running the Domex Toilet Academy (DTA) programme that was was launched on 19th November 2013. Its purpose is to provide a sustainable and long-term solution for sanitation that benefits the local community and helps stimulate the local economy. The Toilet Academy makes toilets accessible and affordable, while promoting the benefits of clean toilets & good hygiene. Their effort has resulted in bringing the change in the villages of Maharashtra and Orissa and we aim to build 24000 toilets by 2015 in rural areas faced with the problem of open defecation.
Look at Babli's sad face who is waiting for hygienic amenities for herself...
Lets pledge to make India free from open defecation with right policies and social attention and with initiatives like #ToiletForBabli and feel pride for making our villages Open Defecation Free (ODF). A social movement to revolutionize attitudes and behaviors toward sanitation in India is the only way out because practicing good hygiene is as important as worship to God.
This post is exclusively written for Indiblogger's #IndiHappyHours Campaign in association with www.domex.in
Image Source: Donex.in, BBC.com
Domex is addressing a really important problem and I am definitely going to do my bit by going to their website and contributing. :)
ReplyDeleteeach one of us matters when its a big change that we expect, the need is just to initiate.
ReplyDeleteEvery lady deserves dignity esp. during those difficult days
ReplyDeleteThis campaign wasn't v.popular coz I didn't hear abt it
I will be going online to Domex site & contributing