Yet, across sub-Saharan Africa, many schools lack basic WASH necessities such as:

• Clean, functional toilets

• Private changing rooms

• Running water

• Handwashing stations

• Proper waste disposal

• Menstrual hygiene-friendly environments

This article explores the critical role of WASH facilities in girls’ education, how inadequate sanitation affects long-term outcomes, and the work RedHelp Africa is doing to ensure every girl learns in a safe, dignified environment.

1. What Are WASH Facilities—and Why Do They Matter?

WASH stands for:

• Water

• Sanitation

• Hygiene

These three pillars form the foundation of health and human dignity.

1.1. Components of Safe WASH Facilities in Schools

A fully functioning, girl-friendly WASH system includes:

• Clean toilets that lock from inside

• Separate sanitation for boys and girls

• Access to clean water

• Handwashing stations with soap

• Menstrual hygiene disposal units

• Accessible facilities for students with disabilities

• Regular cleaning and maintenance

Without these essentials, schools cannot provide a safe or supportive learning environment.

2. The Everyday Struggles Girls Face in Schools Without Proper WASH Facilities

For many African schoolgirls, managing menstruation in school becomes a source of anxiety and embarrassment. In some communities, girls skip school for three to seven days during their period. Over time, this increases absenteeism, affects academic performance, and can lead to dropping out entirely.

2.1. Lack of Privacy

Many school toilets:

• have broken doors

• offer no separation by gender

• lack proper roofing

• expose girls to embarrassment or harassment

For girls managing periods, privacy is essential.

2.2. No Water for Washing

Without water:

• girls cannot clean themselves

• hygiene becomes difficult

• infections become more common

Water scarcity leads to poor menstrual hygiene practices.

2.3. Unsafe or Unclean Toilets

Many toilets are:

• unsanitary

• full of foul odor

• poorly maintained

• infested with insects

Naturally, girls avoid using them, especially during menstruation.

2.4. Lack of Disposal Options

Without proper disposal bins:

• girls hide stained materials

• wrap used pads in paper

• or dispose of them in unsafe ways

This leads to shame and stress.

2.5. Fear and Stigma

When girls are teased by boys or judged by teachers, school becomes an unsafe emotional space.

These challenges create an invisible weight on African girls—one that affects their daily learning experience.

3. The Impact of WASH on School Attendance

Research across Africa shows a direct link between sanitation and attendance, especially for girls.

3.1. Improved Facilities = Improved Attendance

When schools update or build safe sanitation:

• absenteeism drops

• girls attend more regularly

• participation increases

• girls remain engaged throughout the day

3.2. The Menstruation Factor

Girls who cannot manage their periods hygienically:

• miss classes

• fall behind in subjects

• become discouraged

• risk dropping out

WASH directly influences menstrual hygiene management (MHM).

4. Health Risks Caused by Poor WASH Conditions

Poor sanitation exposes girls to various health risks.

4.1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Girls often avoid drinking water or using the bathroom due to poor conditions, increasing UTI risks.

4.2. Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs)

Using unclean cloths or not being able to wash during menstruation increases infections.

4.3. Gastrointestinal Diseases

Lack of handwashing contributes to:

• cholera

• diarrhea

• typhoid

These illnesses commonly lead to absence from school.

4.4. Mental Health Stress

Worrying about stains, odors, leaking, or teasing causes:

• anxiety

• low self-esteem

• lack of concentration

Health and education are deeply interconnected.

5. Why WASH Is a Gender Issue

Girls experience unique challenges that boys do not.

5.1. Menstrual Hygiene Management

Access to menstrual-friendly WASH facilities is essential for:

• safety

• privacy

• comfort

• dignity

5.2. Safety and Security

Girls feel unsafe using toilets that:

• lack doors

• are isolated

• are shared with boys

• have no locks

Gender-sensitive designs protect girls from harassment.

5.3. Cultural and Social Expectations

Stigma around menstruation amplifies the need for supportive school environments.

6. The Role of Climate-Resilient WASH Facilities

Climate change increases water scarcity and floods, which damage school infrastructure. RedHelp Africa promotes climate-resilient WASH solutions, including:

• elevated toilets for flood-prone areas

• water-harvesting systems

• solar-powered water pumps

• durable construction materials

These innovations ensure sustainability and long-term use.

7. RedHelp Africa’s WASH Initiative: What We Do

RedHelp Africa provides support to schools and communities through:

7.1. Building and Rehabilitating Gender-Sensitive Toilets

We focus on:

• privacy

• durability

• accessibility

• proper waste disposal

7.2. Installing Handwashing Stations

Stations are equipped with water and soap to promote hygiene.

7.3. Supporting Water Access in Schools

Through:

• boreholes

• water storage solutions

• community water systems

7.4. Menstrual Hygiene-Friendly Environments

We ensure facilities include:

• disposal bins

• cleaning supplies

• private changing rooms

7.5. Hygiene Education for Students

WASH is not complete without knowledge:

• proper handwashing

• water conservation

• toilet maintenance

• menstrual hygiene awareness

8. The Impact of RedHelp Africa’s WASH Programs: Field Stories

8.1. In Yobe State

Students reported feeling more confident attending school after improvements in sanitation spaces. Teachers noticed higher participation from girls.

8.2. In Rivers State

Girls shared that safer toilets helped them feel less anxious during menstruation, improving class focus.

8.3. In Bauchi State

RedHelp Africa’s program reduced absenteeism significantly, especially during exam periods.

These small improvements created meaningful change for hundreds of girls.

9. How WASH Supports National Development

Investing in WASH results in:

• healthier children

• reduced disease outbreaks

• improved educational outcomes

• stronger economic participation from women

• increased community resilience

When girls stay in school, entire communities benefit.

10. What Governments and Partners Can Do

To accelerate progress, we recommend:

• prioritizing school sanitation budgets

• eliminating taxes on sanitary products

• partnering with NGOs

• funding sustainable water systems

• training teachers on MHM and hygiene

Partnerships amplify impact.

11. How Individuals Can Support WASH Initiatives

Anyone can play a role:

• Donate to build sanitation units

• Sponsor hygiene materials

• Volunteer with RedHelp Africa

• Advocate for WASH improvements in local schools

• Spread awareness online

Small actions contribute to big change.

Conclusion

Safe WASH facilities are essential for building healthy, confident, and educated communities. They ensure that every girl—regardless of where she lives—can attend school with dignity and peace of mind.

At RedHelp Africa, we are committed to creating gender-sensitive, sustainable WASH environments that protect girls and help them thrive. Through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, we are transforming schools across Africa one sanitation facility at a time.