Fear and anger: Perceptions of risks related to sexual violence against women linked to water and sanitation in Delhi, India Briefing Note Lennon, S. (2011)
The link between a lack of access to water and sanitation facilities and sexual violence against women is not well known and to date has received insufficient attention. This document attempts to highlight this link within the context of urban slums in Delhi, and suggests how this problem can be addressed.
Access to water and sanitation services and the fulfilment of these fundamental human rights is experienced differently by men and women. The
lack of access to sanitation and drinking water affects women and girls disproportionately, by impacting on their health and dignity, contributing to their vulnerability, and thereby frustrating efforts to empower women to lead a healthy and economically productive life.
Women without water supplies and toilets within their homes are potentially vulnerable to sexual violence when travelling to and from
public facilities, when using public facilities and when they have to defecate in the open in the absence of any amenities.
Bibliographic information
Lennon, S. (2011). Fear and anger: Perceptions of risks related to sexual violence against women linked to water and sanitation in Delhi, India Briefing Note SHARE (Sanitation and Hygiene Applied Research for Equity) and WaterAid, UK
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Urban informal settlements (slums)JournalistsEnglishSexual and gender-based violence
