In India’s fast-growing cities, the conversation is often about smart infrastructure — metro rail expansions, expressways, and flyovers. But for half the female population, the most basic need often goes unmet: a safe, accessible public toilet. A recent viral video by a UPSC educator reignited public anger over the stark gender disparity in public toilet access. But this isn’t just a Delhi problem, and it’s not just about inconvenience. It’s a story of urban neglect, public health risk, and silent exclusion baked into city planning.
In plain sight: The gender gap in public toilets
In a video shared on X, UPSC educator Praveen Dixit walks through the streets of Delhi’s Rajendra Nagar and counts 10 public toilets for men — and just one for women. The video triggered outrage online, but to most women, it wasn’t surprising. The truth is: in Indian cities, clean, safe, and accessible public toilets for women are painfully rare. According to a 2020 report by the Praja Foundation, Delhi has just one public toilet seat for every 10,039 women and one for every 4,373 men. A 2024 update from the same organization showed that in Mumbai, the gap remains wide: one toilet seat per 752 men and one for every 1,820 women. The gaps are even worse in slums and underserved areas (Praja Foundation, 2020 & 2024).
Toilets are missing. So, women adapt.
When infrastructure doesn’t account for women, they are forced to adjust. Many reduce water intake, avoid long trips, or skip going out entirely while on their periods. A 2023 study by Feminism in India (FII) found that 43% of women avoid public toilets during menstruation (FII, 2023). The fallout is serious: urinary tract infections, reproductive health issues, and even pregnancy complications. This isn’t just about inconvenience — it’s a public health crisis wrapped in a gender-blind city design.
The numbers don’t lie
Delhi: 1 toilet seat per 4,373 men and 1 per 10,039 women (Praja, 2020)
Mumbai: 1 toilet seat per 752 men and 1 per 1,820 women (Praja, 2024)
These figures fall far short of international benchmarks. The World Toilet Organization and British Toilet Association recommend at least one public toilet per 500–1,000 people in high-footfall areas, with a 2:1 ratio favouring women to reflect longer usage times and higher demand (World Toilet Organization, British Toilet Association). Yet India has no legal mandate to meet even these minimums.
It’s not just a women’s issue
Public toilets in India often fail to serve people with disabilities, the elderly, and trans persons. A lack of universal design, safety features, and inclusive signage makes many existing facilities unusable — or outright hostile — for anyone outside the able-bodied male norm.
Not a flaw — a choice
This isn’t a design flaw — it’s a design choice. Right now, India treats toilets as secondary to city planning. Swachh Bharat guidelines exist, but they’re non-binding. There’s no law requiring public toilet equity. No accountability for falling short. No urgency to fix it.
What inclusive cities must do
If India wants truly inclusive cities, it must treat toilets as essential public infrastructure — not an afterthought. That means laws mandating minimum ratios, gender audits, universal access standards, and funding to build what’s missing. Because if half the population can’t use the city safely, then it isn’t smart — it’s broken.
