Access to Toilets – Transforming the Lives of Women and Girls

It is concerning that nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide still lack properly managed sanitation, with 419 million forced to resort to open defecation. In India, this challenge remains significant, with approximately 156 million people in rural areas struggling to access safe sanitation (source: UNICEF ).

Sanitation is not only a fundamental human right but also an essential factor in preserving the dignity of every individual, particularly women and girls. Unfortunately, many of them are deprived of this essential service, which poses risks to their safety, hinders educational and employment opportunities, and impacts their overall well-being.

Empowering Communities through SPARSH

At Apollo Tyres, we recognise women of all ages as crucial stakeholders in our operations and surrounding communities. Through our ‘Segregate waste, Practice composting, Awareness creation, Reduce-reuse-recycle, Safe sanitation and Hygiene’ (SPARSH) initiative, launched in 2013, we have provided safe sanitation and promoted hygiene in the communities around our plant locations as a core commitment, aiming to foster a healthier and more equitable environment for all.

Measuring Our Impact

I am immensely proud to share that, through the dedicated efforts of our employees, we have constructed 1,492 toilets with bathing facilities for communities near our plant locations across India. In partnership with local leaders and government bodies, this initiative has positively impacted 5,968 lives across 28 villages, transforming eight of these communities into Open Defecation Free (ODF) areas.

This financial year, we commissioned a comprehensive impact assessment through a third-party agency to evaluate the effectiveness of the SPARSH programme. This study provided valuable insights, helping us refine our strategies, uphold our alignment with the global sanitation agenda, and continue elevating our efforts in community support.

The findings underscore the tangible benefits of our initiatives and our commitment to sustainability and community well-being. We have created safer hygiene conditions, substantially reduced open defecation, and improved access to sanitation facilities. In the project areas, open defecation has almost come to an end, with 95% of households confirming their toilets are fully operational and regularly used. Additionally, 96% of women shared that having toilets with secure doors and walls provides a sense of safety that makeshift alternatives simply could not. For 88% of respondents, access to proper sanitation has significantly enhanced their safety and restored their dignity. These results illustrate the profound impact of our initiatives and strengthen our resolve to build healthier, more sustainable communities.

Our Commitment on World Toilet Day

To commemorate World Toilet Day on November 19, we plan to build an additional 145 toilets in Andhra Pradesh, Chennai, and Gujarat locations this financial year, accelerating our efforts toward universal sanitation.

The satisfaction expressed by our beneficiaries brings me great pride. Their testimonials affirm the impact of our work and inspire us to keep advancing our commitment to sanitation for all.

“The availability of a toilet—a safe space for changing her sanitary pads—has transformed my daughter’s experience during her periods, giving her newfound comfort and confidence. No longer restricted by time or forced to venture into fields in the dark, she is now safe from the dangers of insect and snake bites. The toilet built by Apollo Tyres Foundation has not only addressed these critical issues but has also brought immense relief and happiness to our lives.” – Rajammal, Beneficiary, Vadakkupattu, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu.

Together, let’s #GoTheDistance to ensure sanitation and hygiene for all.