Mainstreaming of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in health-care facilities, Kandy District, Sri Lanka

Recognizing the pressing need for improvement, the World Health Organization (WHO) Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Office of the Kandy Regional Director of Health Service (RDHS), conducted a comprehensive two-fold brainstorming session on 31 July 2024. This session brought together both health and non-health staff selected by the RDHS’s Office to evaluate the current WASH needs across the district’s healthcare facilities.

The Kandy District was chosen as the pilot for this brainstorming discussion and training due to its notable climate vulnerability. As part of the Central Province, Sri Lanka’s second-largest province located in the highland interior of the island, Kandy District is particularly susceptible to environmental risks. The Central Province comprises three administrative districts: Kandy, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya. Within Kandy District, numerous Grama Niladhari[1]  Divisions are identified with varying levels of landslide risk, including both high and low potential for rainfall-induced landslides [2] and flooding during the Monsoon Seasons.

Brainstorming Discussion

A case study was developed following the brainstorming discussion, and it explores the key insights collected from this discussion, delving into the specific needs, challenges, and priorities identified, and providing actionable recommendations for enhancing WASH services in the region. The findings highlight gaps in infrastructure, training, and community engagement, all of which contribute to the need to improve the overall state of WASH services in the district. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated effort involving legal reforms, community education, and a thorough mapping and planning process. By prioritizing WASH, Kandy District can make significant strides towards improving health outcomes and ensuring that all community members have access to safe and sanitary healthcare facilities.

Implementing the recommendations outlined in the developed case study will therefore undoubtedly require the commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders, including healthcare workers, government officials, community members, and development partners. However, with the right strategies and resources in place, it is possible to transform the WASH services in Kandy District’s healthcare facilities, ensuring that they meet the needs of all users and contribute to the overall well-being of the community

Images captured during the Brainstorm Discussions being led by the WHO Sri Lanka, National Consultant on Gender, Equity and Rights (GER) Naushalya Rajapaksha on the 31 July, in Kandy.

Training Sessions

On 2 and 3 August 2024, a groundbreaking training session was held in Kandy District, focusing on the integration of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) into Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices within healthcare facilities. Organized by the WHO Sri Lanka and the Office of the Kandy RDHS, this workshop brought together over 80 regional health and non-health workers for an intensive two-day program.

The workshop aimed to embed GEDSI principles into the planning, implementation, and management of WASH programs, policies, and practices within Kandy’s healthcare institutions. This event was particularly significant as it marked the first time such a comprehensive training on GEDSI integration into WASH in healthcare facilities had been conducted in Sri Lanka The workshop was based on the “Toolkit on Mainstreaming Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion in WASH in Health-Care Facilities 2023 [3],” developed by WHO’s South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO). This toolkit serves as a critical resource for policymakers, program managers, and facility administrators, offering guidance on how to design and manage healthcare facilities that are not only hygienic but also inclusive, accessible, and respectful of the rights and dignity of every individual.

The workshop’s curriculum was meticulously designed to address the unique challenges faced in Sri Lanka’s healthcare settings, particularly in Kandy District. It included sessions on identifying and addressing barriers to access, understanding the specific WASH needs of diverse populations, and developing strategies to ensure that WASH facilities are safe, clean, and accessible to all. The training emphasized the importance of creating environments where gender, disability, and social inclusion are not just mere afterthoughts but integral components of the ongoing and future WASH programs in the Kandy District.

Images captured during the two-day training
programme led by the WHO Sri Lanka, National Consultant on Gender, Equity and
Rights (GER) Naushalya Rajapaksha on 1 and 2 of August, in Kandy. 

Good Practices

A key highlight of the event was its unwavering adherence to WHO’s Code of Conduct on Events, underscoring a firm commitment to ethical practices and sustainability. To further reinforce this commitment, stationery stations were centrally located, accompanied by prominently displayed materials on WHO’s Policy on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct (PRSM). These displays also included WHO’s three-year strategy for Preventing and Responding to Sexual Misconduct (2023-2025) and the WHO Accountability Framework for 2023. Participants were encouraged to engage with the facilitator to discuss these policies and procedures in depth, fostering a deeper understanding of WHO’s approach to addressing and preventing sexual misconduct. This initiative not only highlighted the organization’s dedication to upholding high ethical standards but also provided a platform for meaningful dialogue on critical issues concerning PRSM.

Images captured during the two-day training
programme led by the WHO Sri Lanka, National Consultant on Gender, Equity and
Rights (GER) Naushalya Rajapaksha where participants had the opportunity to
meaningfully engage with the facilitator about WHO’s PRSM policies and
procedures. 

The facilitator also took an innovative approach by minimizing the use of printed materials, instead utilizing strategically placed QR codes throughout the training hall. These QR codes allowed participants to access a wide range of information and training materials digitally, enhancing the learning experience while also significantly reducing the event’s environmental footprint.

Images captured during the two-day training
programme led by the WHO Sri Lanka, National Consultant on Gender, Equity and
Rights (GER) Naushalya Rajapaksha where participants actively scanning the QR
scan code to access the necessary materials related to the workshop.