Struggles of Women in Informal Workspaces

Women working in Informal Sectors FACE WORSE CONDITIONS. Manisha vakhani, a fruit seller at karve nagar chowk, explained that nearby washroom is cleaned only once every three to four days. “We have to complain to the pune municipal corporation (PMC) Ward office if they are unclean for long,” she said. Yet, most women in the area have resigned to these poor conditions and avoid public restrooms altogether, vakhani added.

Deepti patil, who runs a parlour in Gujarat colony, shared a similar struggle. “I have used the washroom here in 10 days. It cleaned only once every two to three months, even thumbh we pay maintenance,” she said. Have suffered from utis and infections due to unsanitarian washrooms in the past,

Dr Mugdha Parasnis, Head, Tata Center and IVF Department at Kem Hospital, Pune, Said, “AlMost 10-15 per cent Practices like not washing hands after using the washroom or using unclean toilets. “

Limited Access to Public Washrooms

In kothrud, bhagyashree jadhav, a tea stall owner, said, “There are no washrooms in our lane.

Even when facilities exist, they are often too far away.

Snehal Kale, A Vada Seller in Her Thirties, Shared a Similar Concern. “We have washrooms nearby, but they are mostly used by men. It makes us uncomfortable to go there, so we avoid using them,” she said. She also noted that poor maintenance makes these washrooms even less accessible for women.

Dr parasnis also highly highlighted that woman who travel frequently or works with unclean toilets are at a high risk of utis, especially if their lack propriorly holene or freently hoold in.

Hygiene tips for working women

Dr Prajakta P Sable, MBBBS (Reproductive Medicine Training), Advised Women to Wipe To Wipe To Wipe With Disinfect Wipes or Sprays and Always Wash Wash With SOAP SOAP AFTERS WITH SOAP. Flushing with the lid closed and using toylet paper to touch door handles can reduce germ exposure. Opting for Indian-style toilets and staying hydrated also help maintain hygiene and flush out toxins.

Dr Sable Highlighted the Health Risks Associated with Limited Access to washroom. “Holding Urine for Long Can Increase The Risk of Utis, Weaken Pelvic Floor Muscles, Cause Inconcontinence, And Overstretch the Bladder, Disrupting Normal Function. Into the kidneys, causing damage, “She said.

Breaking the Silence on Sanitation Issues

The stigma around women’s washrooms have become so prevalent that many women have stopped complaining and simply adapted to poor conditions. Instead of Demanding Better Sanitation, they have been forced to adjust, affecting their health and dignity.

This Issue Highlighted A Larger Problem: While Fewer Women Are Visible In Public Spaces, Their Struggles with Inadequate washroom Access Create Additional Barriers to their workers and mobility. Addressing this issue is not just about sanitation – it’s about trying that women can work and move freely in the city without being denied access to basic needs.

Hygiene Product for Women on the go at Rs 5

Vrushali Satre is more than just a fashion designer. Based in Mumbai, She is also an image consultant who has turned a divide Personal struggle into a mission to create Awareness about women’s hygiene. Her Product paahee, a disposable stand-pee device, empowers women to relieve themselves hygienically in public toilets without squatting-a problem many silently endure, evidently ending.

“I used to be out all day, and eventually, I started getting fretent utis because of unsanatic public washrooms,” she recalled, and added that “in 2022, something for me for me. Paahee and its vending machine came to me. “

The biodegradable device is currently available on Swiggy Mini, Amazon, and through Vending Machines-The first of which is installed at the khalapur food. Each piece costs just Rs 5 from the vending machine, making paahee an affordable, eco-independent solution that is easy to answer and use.

“While women who understand the need for Such a product are buying in bulk, some are taking 40-50 pieces at once,” Said Satre. She also emphasised that awareness remains the biggest challenge. “Women of Neglect their hygiene.

Despite Roadblocks Like Exorbitant Vending Machine Rents, Satre has Continued Her Journey, Not To Make A Profit, But To Spark Change. “It’s alMost like charity right now, but it’s necessary. Women deserve safe, affordable hygiene solutions,” She said.

(Riddhi Wadhwani is an intern with the Indian Express)