Promoting Gender Equality Through Integrated Bathrooms: A Step Toward Social Advancement

In addition to advancing inclusion and social advancement, adding a third bathroom for non-
binary people immediately advances the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5)—
gender equality. According to the United Nations, gender equality means that individuals of all gender
identities and men and women enjoy equal rights and opportunities in all spheres of society.

Here is how adding a third bathroom promotes and connects with SDG 5:

1.Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination:

People who identify as non-binary, genderqueer, or gender non-conforming can use a third bathroom. It
sends a strong message that society respects and accepts persons of different gender identities by
offering a secure and welcoming environment. This inclusion, which guarantees that everyone is treated
with respect and dignity regardless of their gender identification, is a key component of gender equality.

2. Dispelling Gender Stereotypes

Traditional bathrooms for men and women can perpetuate gender stereotypes. The idea that gender is
not binary is promoted in a third restroom, which questions conventional conventions. By dispelling
these myths, society can embrace the variety of gender identities and get closer to achieving gender
equality.

3. Encouragement of Equal Participation

Non-binary people can engage freely in public life without worrying about discrimination or harassment
if there is a third bathroom available. Everyone can participate equally in social, professional, and
educational activities when they have access to secure environments that are suitable for their needs.
This supports the equality of all gender identities.

4. Gender-Based Violence: A Discussion

Gender equality is significantly hampered by gender-based violence. We create environments where

people are less likely to be targets of harassment and violence by providing restrooms that are gender
inclusive. By making sure everyone feels safe in public areas, this encourages a safer environment and
gender equality.

5. Legal Acceptance and Rights:

The provision of a third bathroom acknowledges the presence and legal rights of non-binary people. It
signifies that society accepts their identity and supports their right to unrestricted access to public
spaces. A critical first step in achieving gender equality in the legal system is legal acknowledgment.

6. Effect on Education:

It can be instructive to introduce the idea of different gender identities through everyday applications
like inclusive restrooms. Future generations will benefit from a more inclusive and equal society because
of the increased awareness, comprehension, and acceptance of various gender identities.

Finally, establishing a third bathroom for people who identify as non-binary is a doable step toward
reaching Sustainable Development Goal 5. It supports legal recognition, encourages inclusivity, dispels
gender stereotypes, enables equal participation, addresses gender-based violence, and has a good
educational impact. Diversity in gender identities is welcomed and accommodated by society, paving the
path for a more fair and just future for all.

Background of the Study

People who identify as non-binary are those whose gender does not exclusively fall within the
usual gender binaries of male or female. They might instead identify as a hybrid of the two genders,
neither gender, or a completely different gender. People who identify as non-binary may refer to
themselves in a variety of ways, including as genderqueer, genderfluid, or agender. Their different
backgrounds, identities, and experiences serve as a reminder of how gender is more complex than a
simple binary. People who identify as non-binary frequently navigate a particular gender landscape,
questioning social expectations and promoting greater acceptance of gender variation.

People who reject conventional gender roles and identify as something other than male or
female are said to be genderqueer. Genderqueer individuals may regard themselves as either male or
female, neither, or as a whole new gender. The word emphasizes the flexibility and complexity of gender
beyond conventional conventions and reflects a wide range of gender identities and expressions.
Genderqueer people frequently question and alter gender stereotypes, which helps to increase
awareness of gender variety in society.

As stated in the Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) of the United Nations, gender equality
is a basic human right and the cornerstone of a peaceful, successful, and sustainable world. Despite
major advancements in recent years, ongoing work is still required to advance inclusivity and equality for
people of all gender identities. To significantly contribute to reaching SDG 5, this research project
examines the significance of developing inclusive toilet facilities, specifically a third restroom for non-
binary people.

Public spaces, including restrooms, have long been designed according to traditional binary
gender conventions. These standards, however, do not fully account for the wide range of gender
identities that exist in modern society. Inclusion, discrimination, and even violence against non-binary,
genderqueer, and gender non-conforming people can result from the absence of inclusive restroom
options. This study investigates the several advantages of implementing inclusive restroom facilities to
close this gap.

It is Time for Asia and the Pacific Region's Bathrooms to Serve All Genders

Writers:

Urban Development Specialist Alexandra Conroy, ADB Sectors Group

Shuvechha Khadka is the South Asia Department's Senior Social Development Officer for Gender at the A
DB Nepal Resident Mission.

In brief:

The blog post addresses the issues with sanitation facilities that sexual and gender minorities in
Asia and the Pacific region experience. It highlights how important it is to have accessible restrooms
 as well as the negative effects of prejudice and inadequate infrastructure on these people's life. The
article emphasizes the value of communication, instruction, and the active participation of sexual and
gender minorities in decision-making. The authors offer workable options, include having gender-
neutral restrooms, promoting the removal of sanitary products from all bathrooms, educating
restroom workers, and keeping the facilities hygienic and operational. The article also highlights the
financial advantages of sanitation access for the general public as well as sexual and gender
minorities.

Conroy, Alexandra, and Khadka, Shuvechha. "Time for Bathrooms in Asia and the Pacific to
Accommodate People of All Genders."(online)https://blogs.adb.org/blog/it-time-bathrooms-asia-and-
pacific-accommodate-people-all-genders [25 May 2023]/[Accessed on 04/11/23].

【SDG 5】Not merely a restroom that is gender-neutral! The gender-neutral restroom in New Taipei City
is accessible to people of all ages and has parental care features.

In order to better serve the requirements of sexual and gender minorities, the
government of New Taipei City built inclusive all-gender restrooms that are accessible to people of all
ages and have parental care features. The city's commitment to diversity, equality, and sustainability is
in line with this effort. The city wants to guarantee privacy, safety, and comfort for every person using
the restrooms by eliminating gender-specific divisions and putting the requirements of the user first.
Separate areas for urinals, sitting or squatting toilets, changing rooms, care beds, and parent-
child restrooms are all included in the restroom design.
The local administration has put in place a number of measures to improve safety and security, includi
ng surveillance cameras, emergency call bells, and compartment barrier walls that reach the ceiling an
d floor.
In order to meet the requirements of women for menstrual equity and to encourage education on me
nstrual empowerment, an emergency relief policy has been introduced, which includes the installatio
n of a machine that provides free feminine hygiene products.

The city's larger sustainability initiatives, which prioritize public-private partnerships and are in
line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, especially Goal 5 (Gender Equality),
include the gender-friendly restroom project. The Department of Environmental Protection, New
Taipei City, and other pertinent agencies commended the effort for its inclusive approach and gender-
friendly design.

The Secretariat【SDG 5】More than just a gender-friendly restroom! New Taipei City's all-
gender restroom with parental care functions and accessibility for all ages
(online)https://sdgs.ntpc.gov.tw/en/home.jsp?id=9a82909484ee3b60&act=be4f48068b2b0031&dat
aserno=30a4085fa89348e11d119c757140b665 [2023-09-28]/[Accessed on 04/11/23].

Creating with Debate in Mind: The Gender-Neutral Bathroom

 The creation and use of gender-neutral restrooms has gained attention in the conversation
around inclusivity and public areas. Transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people have
faced difficulties using traditional gender-segregated restrooms, which has sparked conversations on
how to establish safe and egalitarian spaces. Architects and planners have to navigate cultural
differences, privacy concerns, and society standards while attending to the needs of different gender
groupings.

The idea of gender-neutral restrooms came forth as a reaction to the prejudice and risk that
the LGBTQ+ community experienced in public areas. The critical need for change is demonstrated by
incidents of physical and verbal abuse directed at transgender people in bathrooms with separate
gender areas. It has been suggested that gender-neutral bathrooms, which can be single- or multi-
user public areas, are a way to ensure safety and inclusivity for all users, including children, the
elderly, caregivers, and transgender and non-binary people.

However, there has been discussion and hesitation surrounding the acceptability of gender-
neutral restrooms. Divergent views on its application have resulted from worries about privacy,
safety, and cultural differences. These issues have influenced the design briefs, highlighting how
crucial it is to provide everyone with comfortable and morally sound restroom experiences. To
guarantee user safety and privacy, designers have experimented with a variety of strategies, such as
open-plan layouts, transparent glass entrances, full-length cubicle dividers, and modesty elements.

Ankitha Gattupalli Designing around Debate: The Gender-Neutral Bathroom

(online)https://www.archdaily.com/984280/designing-around-debate-the-gender-neutral-bathroom
[June 28, 2022]/[Accessed on 04/11/23].