Empowering Practitioners: Embracing Inclusivity and Sustainability in Urban Sanitation

The journey towards achieving Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) is a complex yet rewarding endeavor. The recent study titled Perceptions of Inclusivity and Sustainability in Urban Sanitation in Global South Cities sheds light on the interpretations of key terms like "inclusion" and "sustainability" by various sanitation actors. This blog aims to guide practitioners in enhancing their skills by implementing insights from this research or encouraging further exploration.

Understanding Inclusivity in Urban Sanitation

The concept of inclusivity in urban sanitation is often encapsulated by the phrase "leave no one behind," a principle that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, vague terms such as "everyone" or "for all" can obscure which groups need focused attention. The study highlights the importance of specifying beneficiary groups like disabled people, women, children, and the poor to enhance visibility within sanitation service provision.

Practitioners are encouraged to adopt a holistic approach to sanitation that involves engaging all stakeholders. This includes government bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private sectors, and communities. By fostering collaboration and taking a bottom-up approach, practitioners can ensure that diverse voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes.

Sustainability: A Balanced Approach

Sustainability in urban sanitation encompasses three pillars: environmental, economic, and social. Different stakeholders may prioritize these pillars based on their organizational goals. For instance, NGOs might focus on social sustainability through community engagement, while government entities may emphasize economic aspects due to budgetary constraints.

The study suggests that greater collaboration among stakeholders can foster a balanced view across all three pillars. Practitioners should aim to champion different aspects of sustainability within their organizations and work towards integrating concepts like "sanitation as a business" and the circular economy into their practices.

Opportunities for Practitioners

• Community Engagement: Actively involve local communities in planning and decision-making processes to ensure solutions are tailored to their needs.
• International Cooperation: Learn from countries further up the sanitation ladder to adopt best practices and innovative solutions.
• Policy Development: Advocate for policies that specify which groups require focused attention for inclusion to improve service provision.

Encouraging Further Research

The findings from this study provide a foundation for further research into how inclusivity and sustainability can be effectively integrated into urban sanitation practices. Practitioners are encouraged to explore how different organizational types can act as champions for various aspects of sustainability.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Perceptions of Inclusivity and Sustainability in Urban Sanitation in Global South Cities.