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Woman in a Field

Seithur Sanitation Initiative

Seithur Map.png

Project Overview 

Did you know that 1.1 billion people worldwide do not have access to sanitation facilities? In fact, in Tamil Nadu (a state in Southern India), 40% of all individuals practice open defecation. In order to help combat this issue and raise awareness on the risks associated with open defecation, our team has partnered with international NGOs to implement a women's sanitation facility in Seithur, Tamil Nadu. 

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Phase I: Research

Fall 2020 - Summer 2021

Our team conducted qualitative interviews with members of the Seithur community to learn about their needs and better understand the current means of defecation in the community.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Toilets are a pressing need and will be used if constructed

  • Fields are far away and littered with debris, so women feel unsafe due to a lack of privacy in the field

  • Open defecation poses a threat to the safety and well-being of the villagers

  • Getting snake bites and developing infections are common

Phase 2: Additional Research + Implementation

Fall 2021 - Winter 2022

Through various fundraising means (primarily optiMize), our team was able to raise enough funds to install a women's facility. With the aid of our local contact in the community, we were able to invite local masons and mechanics to construct a concrete foundation, build a new water pump, and install 9 pit latrines. 

Phase 3: Maintenance 

Winter 2022 - continued

Our final phase, which is still ongoing, includes ensuring the maintenance and sustainability of our women's facility. Our team aims to do this by providing the community with the tools and cleaning supplies necessary for toilet maintenance. Furthermore, through the administration of post-implementation interviews, we hope to to gauge the satisfaction of the Seithur residents and their thoughts regarding the construction of the women's facility. 

Image Gallery

View the progress of our sanitation project, from initial construction to the completed facility, and the positive impact it has had on residents within the community.

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