I thought a toilet inside my home would bring bad luck to me and my entire family. I would eat less food and hold my bowels throughout the day, leading to gastritis, uneasiness and other stomach related diseases. Not to mention, building a toilet takes a lot of work and money. In 2016, field facilitators from Water For People India visited our village to create awareness on the importance and benefits of using a toilet. They mobilized the entire community in the ward through street plays and interpersonal communication and cleared our misconceptions regarding the toilet cost and space, government incentives and the support provided by Panchayati Raj Institutions. We women no more worry about going out to defecate. Our lives have been hugely impacted and our health has improved. I feel more confident, energetic and happy now.
