Female-friendly toilets in schools in Burkina Faso: A mixed-methods study using photoelicitation
Date
2022
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Abstract
Background An absence of gender-sensitive sanitation facilities in schools and
the negative effects this has on girls has been widely discussed among advocacy groups, though less examined in academic spheres. Drawing on triangulated
data, we outline current challenges and respondent-driven solutions to enhance
the female-friendly nature of toilets in a context of extreme poverty.
Methods This mixed-methods study was informed by the tenets of human-centred design. We first quantitatively assessed facilities in 14 secondary schools in
the Kossi Province of Burkina Faso. We then collected qualitative data, including 15 focus group discussions and 53 in-depth interviews among schoolgirls,
mothers, teachers and key informants. We applied photo-elicitation, a novel
method, to explore perceptions of facilities and the desirability and feasibility
of interventions to improve gender-friendly sanitation facilities.
Results No school met international water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) standards for schools. Roughly one third of schools did not have water and, when
present, there was no reliable way to use it within the toilet complex. Schoolgirls
shared feelings of shame and stress when menstruating at school, and said that
they would avoid using school toilets, if possible. Schoolgirls described water
access as the most urgent need to address, followed by fostering privacy and facilitating cleanliness within facilities. Mothers and teachers mostly aligned with
these priorities, while key informants additionally emphasised the need to raise
awareness on both general and menstrual hygiene and to develop maintenance
systems. Photo-elicitation engaged and empowered participants to pinpoint priorities and concrete solutions, namely a need for doors and locks, water containers and cleaning materials.
Conclusions WASH needs in many schools remain unmet. Women and girls
should be involved in decision-making across stages of intervention design and
implementation. Young women’s voices merit greater inclusion in academic literature. Future interventions should enhance access to water and privacy. Future research could explore maintenance and monitoring strategies to develop
guidance on sustainable solutions.