Initiative for Sanitation Workers

A global advocacy initiative for the rights of sanitation workers, by @ilo @wateraid @WHO @SNV_Water @WorldBankWater

[Initiative for Sanitation Workers @ISW_sanworkers]

Congratulations to #SanitationWorkers research award winners, announced at the @UNC Water and Health conference:
3rd place: S Rajouria and P Mittal
2nd place: Hariprasad VM and NC Narayanan
1st place: Md Tahmidul Islam and co-authors
Details here:
https://t.co/BAaI9Q6UYB

[Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office @amnestysasia]

BANGLADESH: "It's like paying to breathe. Water has become a luxury in my life"

This is the story of the fight for water and dignity of many Dalit women sanitation workers who are marginalized by caste, gender, and occupation. Every day, they are forced to walk and queue for hours to simply access clean drinking water.

They clean the streets, help maintain public health and sanitation infrastructure, and restore communities after disasters. Yet, they remain invisible and excluded in relief and sanitation policies.

@amnesty calls on Bangladeshi authorities to end caste-based discrimination and take urgent measures to uphold the rights of Dalit sanitation workers.

[Initiative for Sanitation Workers @ISW_sanworkers]

Climate crisis magnifies discrimination against “invisible” sanitation workers - highlights this great report from @amnesty
#SanitationWorkers face economic marginalization and entrenched gender- and caste-based discrimination.

[Amnesty International @amnesty]

Bangladesh's authorities must urgently address their failure to uphold the rights of sanitation workers, who face economic marginalization and entrenched gender- and caste-based discrimination.

Read our report 👇 https://t.co/LD76Vnz0zP

[Initiative for Sanitation Workers @ISW_sanworkers]

Did you miss our session at Stockholm #WWWeek?
Fear not, you can watch the recording in the Sanitation Workers hub: https://t.co/TY5dslZt6x

[Initiative for Sanitation Workers @ISW_sanworkers]

Don't miss this webinar tomorrow, live from #WWWeek:
What progress has been made on #SanitationWorkers rights over the past 6 years?
📅 28 Aug, 11:00–12:30 CEST 📷
Register: https://t.co/URfUgza2uR
Join: https://t.co/8bfPXkPfsE
@siwi_www @wateraid @SNVworld @ApaaPasa

[Initiative for Sanitation Workers @ISW_sanworkers]

Safe workers = safe #sanitation
At #WWWeek, discover how donors, policymakers & practitioners can advance #empowerment, safety & dignity for #SanitationWorkers.
📅 28 Aug, 11:00–12:30 CEST
🔗 Register: https://t.co/URfUgza2uR

@siwi_www

[Initiative for Sanitation Workers @ISW_sanworkers]

What happens when you build a trust-based relationship with #SanitationWorkers and #decolonise funding?
Read this report to find out: https://t.co/b2XeGKu8Wn
#Empowerment Support Fund
@wateraid @SNVworld @andreshuesoWA @MunankamiRajeev @somani_prerna

[Initiative for Sanitation Workers @ISW_sanworkers]

Alidou Bande, manual emptier and leader of ABASE, shares the fruits of their advocacy work over the past few years, which illustrates the power of providing directly support -even just small grants- to sanitation workers groups.
#SanitationWorkers https://t.co/DsBZqBHajn

[Bulafu Douglas @bulafudouglas]

🚨Publication Alert:

Only 60.7% of Sanitation Workers consistently used PPE in the past 30 days. Having OHS officers, clear PPE policies, and mandatory use greatly improved compliance. It's time to prioritize worker safety at fecal-waste plants! 🧑🏽‍🔧🧤

https://t.co/XnAgltVpel

[Initiative for Sanitation Workers @ISW_sanworkers]

New research from Gondar university in Ethiopia:
"Over 2/3 of workers surveyed had never received any training on safe sanitation practices. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), essential for safe handling of waste, was unavailable in 63% of workplaces. "
https://t.co/KgMU3m1wDu

[Initiative for Sanitation Workers @ISW_sanworkers]

Les #travailleurs de l'assainissement au #Niger ne se contentent pas d'exiger le changement - ils le cocréent avec les #chercheurs📊👷‍♀️
Du terrain au laboratoire de données, une histoire d'#inclusion & d'#impact.
👉https://t.co/9tNkonTtJA
#DecentWork #Sanitation #WASH

[Initiative for Sanitation Workers @ISW_sanworkers]

🧑‍🔬Calling all #researchers!

🏆Applications are now open for the #SanitationWorkers Research Awards 2025👷‍♂️
👷‍♀️Bring visibility, dignity & safety to those who keep our cities clean at the upcoming #UNCwaterandhealth Conference.
🔗Apply by 2nd May: https://t.co/yX442UnxsP
#WASH @ilo

[Initiative for Sanitation Workers @ISW_sanworkers]

Sanitation work isn’t an informal hustle—it’s #essential!

Yet, many #SanitationWorkers in #Bangladesh lack job security & benefits. How can we ensure fair wages & social protection?

📖 Read the blog for more insights: https://t.co/EFlryroHfW

[Initiative for Sanitation Workers @ISW_sanworkers]

Read this interesting blog by @MikePoustie and team on the #unintended consequences of #formalising municipal, #faecal sludge emptying services in #Bangladesh!

Link: https://t.co/H0oKFLaQjv

#SanitationWorkers #DoNoHarm #SDG6 #Sanitation #WASH #Urban
@PracticalAction

[Initiative for Sanitation Workers @ISW_sanworkers]

📸From lacking PPE to forming #cooperatives, #SanitationWorkers in #Bangladesh are documenting their journey through #Photovoice, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges in their field.
📜Read their narratives and the ongoing challenges: https://t.co/xkxks5EkG5

[Initiative for Sanitation Workers @ISW_sanworkers]

👷‍♂️17 years, countless #risks, and endless #resilience. Tika Lal, a #SanitationWorker in #Nepal, is fighting for #dignity and better working conditions.
He highlights the need for #systemic change
👉https://t.co/LX1s4K9FHm

#OccupationalSafety #SocialImpact #Sanitation #SDGs

[Towards Brown Gold @BrownGold_GCRF]

#SwachhBharat must focus on the invisible sanitation worker.

@Lylamehta @Hariprasad_VM wrote for @IndianExpress about sanitation challenges, and the opportunities to reimagine off-grid and innovative sanitation solutions.

Read now👇
https://t.co/7vNur9Vaqf

#WorldToiletDay #WDT

[Initiative for Sanitation Workers @ISW_sanworkers]

🚽As we prepare for #WorldToiletDay, discover how #decolonized grants rooted in trust and autonomy enable #SanitationWorkers to drive service improvements and advocate for rights💪
Read this powerful blog about #Empowerment Support Fund to know how: https://t.co/YdwKPG8Z5M 👷‍♂️👷‍♀️

[Initiative for Sanitation Workers @ISW_sanworkers]

🛑 In March 2024, two #SanitationWorkers tragically lost their lives in Faisalabad. Sadly, they are not the only ones.
This is a stark reminder of the urgent need for #safer working conditions in #Pakistan.
Read this blog to learn what can be done: https://t.co/lT4ZlEBUgZ

[Initiative for Sanitation Workers @ISW_sanworkers]

#Vizhuthugal’s grassroots efforts are empowering Tamil Nadu’s #SanitationWorkers with the knowledge and tools they need to demand better wages, safer conditions, and a brighter future 👷‍♀️💪
Dive into their journey here: https://t.co/f3dzZniDV6
#SocialProtection #WASH #Sanitation