A Structured Review of Emotional Barriers to WASH Provision for Schoolgirls Post-Disaster

Margarita Garfias Royo,Emily-Marie Pacheco,Ella Meilianda,Priti Parikh,Elinor Parrott,Helene Joffe,Intan Kumala,Rina Suryani Oktari,Imaduddin Ahmed

doi:10.3390/su14042471

Abstract

Pubescent girls face unique emotional barriers to returning to school after a disaster concerning water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). This paper explores themes of WASH, gender violence, the lack of dignity and sense of shame arising from inadequate WASH facilities for girls in disaster settings. We conducted a structured literature review of 126 sources to investigate the emotional constraints facing pubescent girls concerning WASH in schools in Indonesia, a region prone to frequent disasters. Findings are synthesised into four major themes: psychological experiences of WASH, challenges faced by girls in schools, barriers to inclusive WASH provision and how to create a holistic approach to WASH. Key conclusions include the need for interdisciplinary research, cross sectoral collaboration, more evidence and research in Indonesia, especially regarding menstrual hygiene management, improved toilet design to reduce the physical barriers linked to emotional barriers and inclusive design for those with disabilities.

Highlights

Indonesia is prone to a range of natural hazards, such as earthquakes and tsunamis.When disasters occur, children are one of the most psychologically vulnerable groups [1]
Four themes were identified and the review is written : (1) the psychological experiences of WASH, (2) the challenges faced by girls in schools, (3) the barriers to inclusive WASH provision and (4) how to create a holistic approach to WASH provision
Circumstances for girls in schools in Indonesia: (1) the psychological experiences of WASH, (2) the challenges faced by girls in schools, (3) the barriers to inclusive WASH provision and (4) how to create a holistic approach to WASH provision

Summary

Introduction

Indonesia is prone to a range of natural hazards, such as earthquakes and tsunamis.When disasters occur, children are one of the most psychologically vulnerable groups [1]. Inadequate WASH facilities following disasters are likely to exacerbate the psychosocial stress young people experience after a disaster [3]. This may be important for pubescent girls, who may be reluctant to attend school if toilets are not viewed as safe spaces that safeguard dignity and privacy. Of secondary schools across Indonesia had no hand washing facilities [11], contrary to government requirements [12]. In the province of Central Sulawesi where Palu lies, 61% of secondary schools in that region had no hand washing facilities in 2019 [13]. In the province of Central Sulawesi in 2019, only 14% of female school toilets were assessed to be in good condition, whereas 53% were assessed as heavily damaged [14]

Methods

Results

Conclusion