Mr Ibrahim Bidu, a public convenience owner in Bauchi metropolis, has declared free access to women and girls to promote menstrual hygiene.
Bidu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi on Tuesday that the gesture was to provide equal rights to women on the issue of convenience at all times due to human nature and needs.
He said “I have two commercial public conveniences in Bauchi metropolis and market.
“I provided convenient compartments for women and girls with adequate sources of water, a hygienic waste management system while in the market and other public places.
“I ensured that women and girls have free and safe entry and exit different from the men due to their nature and it is free for all women.
“I also made it accessible for People With Disabilities (PWDs).’’
Bidu, who is also the Chairman, Bauchi State Association of Public
Toilet Owners, said an advocacy had begun to encourage other
members to also provide separate and safe compartments
with different entry points for women.
He explained that “although separate toilets are provided for women
in some public places, we see men sitting at the entrance, making some
women to shy away.
“This is because some women don’t feel comfortable where
men sit or use the same place to ease themselves.’’
He assured that “with the various sensitisation and awareness on
modern techniques and best practices that has been going on
by line Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), accessible
public conveniences will soon become the norm.’’
Bidu, who commended the Bauchi State Government for adopting a centre
approach design for public convenience in the state, added that the measure
would go a long way in promoting Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
He added that apart from providing good hygiene, public convenience business
is lucrative; a public convenience can, on the average, generate N250,00 monthly
and empower youths that run shifts during the business.’’
