PANAJI
Decrying that the Goa government has failed to provide clean toilets to women in the State, Goa Forward has warned that it will approach the High Court over the issue.
Speaking to reporters in Panaji on Tuesday, former Margao Municipal Council chairperson Dr Babita Angle Prabhudessai informed that toilet facilities are very important for respecting the dignity of women.
“There are no public toilets along major district roads, state highways and national highways. Those which are there are not within walking distance and are very dirty,” Dr Prabhudessai informed and said that to use Sulabh toilets one has to pay Rs 5 which is not affordable for all.
“Women comprise 50% electorate and this issue cannot be sidelined. We demand that we be provided clean toilet facilities to uphold the dignity of women. Right to clean toilet is no more an option but a fundamental right of women,” she added.
“Due to lack of toilet facilities, women tend to drink less water or stay for long hours without using toilet due to non-existent or dirty toilets. This leads to urinary tract infections,” Dr Prabudessai informed while stating that despite Goa being a tourist destination there are no toilet facilities for women tourists as well.
Stating that women also have a right to live in dignity, Goa Forward Vice President Adv Ashma Sayed said they will write to the Chief Secretary and demand that toilet facilities be made available to women.
“Like everybody else, women too have a right to live in dignity. We will write to the Chief Secretary seeking resolution on the issue. Otherwise, we will move the High Court to issue directions to the government in this regard,” she stated.
Speaking to reporters in Panaji on Tuesday, former Margao Municipal Council chairperson Dr Babita Angle Prabhudessai informed that toilet facilities are very important for respecting the dignity of women.
“There are no public toilets along major district roads, state highways and national highways. Those which are there are not within walking distance and are very dirty,” Dr Prabhudessai informed and said that to use Sulabh toilets one has to pay Rs 5 which is not affordable for all.
“Women comprise 50% electorate and this issue cannot be sidelined. We demand that we be provided clean toilet facilities to uphold the dignity of women. Right to clean toilet is no more an option but a fundamental right of women,” she added.
“Due to lack of toilet facilities, women tend to drink less water or stay for long hours without using toilet due to non-existent or dirty toilets. This leads to urinary tract infections,” Dr Prabudessai informed while stating that despite Goa being a tourist destination there are no toilet facilities for women tourists as well.
Stating that women also have a right to live in dignity, Goa Forward Vice President Adv Ashma Sayed said they will write to the Chief Secretary and demand that toilet facilities be made available to women.
“Like everybody else, women too have a right to live in dignity. We will write to the Chief Secretary seeking resolution on the issue. Otherwise, we will move the High Court to issue directions to the government in this regard,” she stated.
