How Safe Sanitation Protects Women and Girls During Humanitarian Crises

Introduction

During displacement and crisis, access to safe sanitation is often one of the first systems to break down. Without private, reliable bathrooms and hygiene facilities, women and girls face increased risks of gender-based violence, illness, and lost dignity.

At Solidarity Engineering, we design sanitation systems that are safe, sustainable, and community-driven—ensuring protection not just today, but for the long term.

Why Safe Sanitation Matters

Unsafe or absent sanitation creates multiple risks:

• Violence: Women traveling long distances to use toilets are vulnerable to assault.

• Health: Open defecation and poor waste management spread disease.

• Dignity: Lack of private facilities erodes confidence and wellbeing.

Safe sanitation is more than hygiene—it’s protection, health, and empowerment for women and girls.

Humanitarian Engineering Solutions

At Solidarity Engineering, our sanitation programs combine engineering with community-centered design:

1. Private, Safe Toilets and Latrines

   • Secure, well-lit facilities that prevent gender-based violence

   • Designed to meet the needs of women, girls, and families

2. Hygiene Kits and Supplies

   • Soap, menstrual hygiene products, and cleaning materials

   • Distributed alongside education on safe practices

3. Sustainable, Maintainable Systems

   • Community training for maintenance ensures long-term functionality

   • Systems integrate with water, drainage, and energy infrastructure

Impact on Women and Girls

Safe sanitation directly supports:

• Health: Reduced disease transmission, improved maternal and child health

• Education: Girls are more likely to attend school when safe facilities exist

• Empowerment: Women gain confidence and agency when hygiene needs are met

How This Ties to Broader Humanitarian Engineering

Safe sanitation is one part of a layered protection approach:

• Integrated with water systems, lighting, and shelters

• Supported by community engagement and local leadership

• Ensures that women, children, and entire communities are protected and empowered during crisis

Call to Action

Your support helps us build safe sanitation facilities that protect women and girls where it’s needed most.

Donate Today