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Women’s Experiences of Defecating in the Open: A Qualitative Study

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  • Abdul Azeez E.P.
  • Dandub Palzor Negi
  • Aditi Mishra

Abstract

The issue of open defecation is ubiquitous in a country like India where certain demographic groups are underprivileged and often the victims of substandard life and human right violations. Women are the direct victims of open defecation and the non-availability of toilets and the practice of open defecation makes women vulnerable to health risks and gender-based violence. The present article analyses the practice of open defecation by conducting in-depth interviews with 30 women in the reproductive age group in the five villages of Bandarsindri, Kheda, Sirohi, Mundoti and Nahoriyain in central Rajasthan. The study found that women’s experience of open defecation is accompanied by fear, shame, lack of privacy and dignity, and conflict—all of which impact the overall quality of life.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdul Azeez E.P. & Dandub Palzor Negi & Aditi Mishra, 2019. "Women’s Experiences of Defecating in the Open: A Qualitative Study," Indian Journal of Gender Studies, Centre for Women's Development Studies, vol. 26(1-2), pages 160-170, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:indgen:v:26:y:2019:i:1-2:p:160-170
    DOI: 10.1177/0971521518808098
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bijaya K Padhi & Kelly K Baker & Ambarish Dutta & Oliver Cumming & Matthew C Freeman & Radhanatha Satpathy & Bhabani S Das & Pinaki Panigrahi, 2015. "Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes among Women Practicing Poor Sanitation in Rural India: A Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(7), pages 1-18, July.
    2. Sahoo, Krushna Chandra & Hulland, Kristyna R.S. & Caruso, Bethany A. & Swain, Rojalin & Freeman, Matthew C. & Panigrahi, Pinaki & Dreibelbis, Robert, 2015. "Sanitation-related psychosocial stress: A grounded theory study of women across the life-course in Odisha, India," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 80-89.
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    1. Vani Kant Borooah, 2022. "Development, Sanitation and Personal Hygiene in India," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 34(1), pages 103-123, February.

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