While working for an electrical equipment company, I used to go to Lohar Chawl in the Marine Drive Area. There, there was a showroom that sold switches meant for the creme-d-la-creme of society. The switches were premium, pristine, and influenced by rich Italian design. However, the showroom lacked one thing: there were no toilets at the workplace.
So the men would walk out and relieve themselves somewhere, probably behind the building or a public toilet nearby. But we women had to wait for lunch hours so that we could quickly run to a nice restaurant nearby and again wait for the day to end. This is Mumbai. I am a post-graduate in Marketing and belong to the upper middle class of the society. I consider myself to be quite fortunate and privileged. However, because I was not eating food or drinking water, I fell ill and was dehydrated during most of my stint at this showroom. The showroom still exists without any provision of toilets for its employees.
Now imagine menstruating women in factories or shop floors not having toilet facilities. It can invite health issues and sexual violence and can become a reason for a woman to stay away from work. In the evolving landscape of workplace inclusivity, Indian organisations must recognise and address the needs of marginalised communities.
Several industries employ women without providing adequate toilet facilities. It happens in factories, on shop floors, and with large e-commerce players. Now, think of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and transgender individuals. These groups often face significant challenges and alienation in professional environments. Creating inclusive and safe spaces, such as gender-neutral toilets, is a vital step toward fostering a more welcoming and supportive workplace for all.
Alienation in the workplace
Transgender individuals and PWD often experience feelings of isolation and discomfort in traditional work settings. For transgender people, the use of gendered facilities that do not align with their gender identity can lead to severe distress and dysphoria—a profound disconnect between their physical bodies and their true gender identities. This dysphoria can result in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, making the workplace a challenging environment.
PWDs face similar challenges when facilities are not designed to accommodate their needs. The lack of accessible restrooms and other amenities can make daily tasks difficult, contributing to a sense of exclusion and marginalisation.
Most challenges that queer individuals face are related to their appearance. When someone who dresses unconventionally enters a gendered space, they often face discrimination and judgment regarding their gender. This hostile environment can lead to avoidance of public restrooms altogether, causing significant discomfort and inconvenience.
Toilets at the workplace: Importance of inclusive and safe toilets
Gender-neutral and accessible toilets play a critical role in addressing these issues. For transgender and non-binary individuals, gender-neutral toilets provide a safe and comfortable space that aligns with their gender identity, reducing the mental and emotional strain associated with using gendered facilities. This inclusive approach can significantly enhance their well-being and productivity at work.
Similarly, accessible toilets are essential for people with disabilities. They ensure they have the facilities needed to perform everyday tasks without unnecessary difficulty. This will foster a sense of inclusion and respect, enabling them to contribute fully to the workplace.
Access to gender-neutral and disability-friendly restrooms is a life-affirming right for people who identify as queer and the 26.8 million people living with disabilities in India (Census 2011). Unfortunately, we, the team at changeincontent, never came across any gender-neutral restroom signs for public toilets that have free access and are state-funded.
Addressing safety concerns regarding toilets at the workplace
One of the common concerns regarding gender-neutral toilets is the safety of women. It is essential to understand that trans women are women and deserve the same access to women’s restrooms as cisgender women. Providing multiple restroom options, such as gender-neutral, male, and female restrooms, can help address these safety concerns while promoting inclusivity.
Legal and social obligations
In 2014, the Supreme Court of India ruled that public spaces must provide adequate washroom facilities for transgender and third-gender individuals. However, compliance with this ruling remains limited. Indian organisations have a legal and ethical obligation to adhere to these requirements, creating environments where all individuals feel respected and safe.
Implementing gender-neutral and accessible facilities not only complies with legal mandates but also demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). It signals to employees and the broader community that the organisation values and supports all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or physical abilities.
Safe gender-neutral toilets at the workplace: Practical steps for implementation
Organisations can take several practical steps to foster inclusivity through gender-neutral and accessible practices:
- Install Sanitary Bins in Men’s Washrooms: Some trans men menstruate and need appropriate disposal facilities.
- Install Sanitary Pad Vending Machines: Women cannot always predict their period date, so having pads available in toilets makes them feel safe.
- Prevention of UTI: To eradicate UTI, women should be encouraged to drink water normally and use the loo as many times as they need to. Normalising bodily functions is imperative. Employee Wellness Teams must encourage people to drink 1-2 litres of water, which can improve women’s health. Every floor should have an adequate number of washrooms so that the facilities are easy to use.
- Provide Combined WC and Urinal Facilities: Where feasible, include both in the same cubicle to offer flexible options.
- Create Gender-Neutral, Disability-Friendly Toilets: These reduce harassment risks and increase accessibility for PWD, parents with young children, and breastfeeding mothers.
- Consult with Transgender and Non-Binary Individuals: Ask for their input on improving restroom arrangements, considering their unique needs and suggestions.
The final thoughts
Creating inclusive and safe environments for marginalised communities is essential for fostering a supportive and productive workplace. By implementing gender-neutral and accessible facilities, Indian organisations can significantly enhance the well-being and inclusion of women, transgender individuals and PWD. When it comes to CSR responsibilities, if 100 corporations come together and make toilets in 10 villages each, there will be 1000 toilets.
In a country where economically backward women have no option but to defecate openly, think of the plight of transpeople or PWDs. We have not even scratched the surface. At changeincontent, we urge the corporate to not only comply with legal mandates but also promote a culture of respect, dignity, and equality for all employees. As we move towards a more inclusive future, it is crucial to continue exploring and implementing solutions that affirm the identities and needs of all marginalised individuals. All organisations, schools, colleges, bus stations, rail stations, and even the remotest villages must have toilet facilities for everyone. When people are free to take care of their basic needs and use the toilet, the world becomes a more equal place.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
