From Fear to Safety: How New Restrooms Transformed Our Students’ Lives

Safer School Restrooms Are Helping Girls Stay in Class

For girls at this school, using the restroom once meant leaving the classroom area and walking to facilities located far away, near a forested area.

The distance created more than an inconvenience. Female students reported feeling unsafe because of the risk of harassment on the way to the restrooms. During menstruation, some students avoided using the facilities altogether and missed school as a result.

Through GFoundation’s school restroom renovation project, students now have access to clean, accessible restroom facilities located closer to their classrooms.

For the girls, this change has meant something especially important: feeling safer at school.

When Access to a Restroom Becomes a Safety Issue

Before the renovation, the location of the school restrooms created significant challenges for female students.

Girls had to travel away from their classrooms to use the facilities, and students reported concerns about sexual harassment and violence along the way.

One student described what the experience was like:

“It was terrifying to use the restroom before, especially because of the fear of being harassed. Some of my friends faced real danger when going to the toilets. But now, with the new restroom close to our classrooms, I no longer have to worry about that. I feel safe.”

The situation was particularly difficult during menstruation. Without a safe and convenient restroom nearby, some girls avoided the facilities and missed class.

A basic need for sanitation had become connected to their safety, dignity, and ability to participate in school.

Bringing Safe and Accessible Restrooms Closer to Students

GFoundation supported the renovation of school restroom facilities to create a cleaner, safer, and more accessible environment for students.

The improved facilities are located conveniently near the classrooms and include access to water and additional space.

Students can now use the restroom during class breaks without having to travel outside the main school area.

For female students, having these facilities nearby has helped address one of the barriers that previously made it difficult to remain in class, particularly during menstruation.

A Safer Environment for Girls

Medina Ahmed, the school’s biology teacher and women’s club coordinator, has seen the difference.

“Before GFoundation’s support, the girls hardly used the old restrooms because they were too far and unsafe. Now, with the new facilities within the school, female students can use the restroom without fear, which allows them to focus on their studies.”

Students have also described feeling safer when using the new facilities.

“We used to be scared to go to the restroom because of the risk of sexual violence, but now we don’t have to worry about that at all. It’s such a relief.”

By moving restroom access closer to the classrooms, the project has reduced students’ need to travel to the remote facilities where they previously reported safety concerns.

Safe Sanitation Supports Education

A school restroom may seem like a basic facility. For girls, however, safe access to water and sanitation can affect much more than hygiene.

It can influence whether they feel comfortable at school, whether they can manage menstruation with dignity, and whether they can remain in class throughout the school day.

According to the school, absenteeism among female students has decreased following the restroom improvements, particularly during menstruation.

By creating safer and more hygienic learning environments, we can help remove barriers that prevent girls from fully participating in their education.

Together, we can help more students learn in schools where their safety, health, and dignity are protected.