[leslymill]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7070494.stm

2.6bn people around the world have to find a place to squat everyday.

Toilet conference opens in Delhi


According to estimates, 2.6bn people around the world lack access to a hygienic toilet.


Others use their fields, the forests or any piece of open land that they can find. Women are particularly badly off - they either have to head out before dawn or in the night when it is relatively more private, but it means they are vulnerable to disease or even sexual assault.


The UN wants to remedy the situation by 2025.

[VivaLasViejas]

This brings to mind a poem, which was part of a much-loved book I once owned:

"Here's to the throne!
a true boon to man,
Both the lowly and great
have to go to the can.

It took 10,000 years
to solve this need of the masses,
Its mark on the world
will be its ring on our.........." well, you know!

[Spidey's mom]

Welcome to Vietnam

Most times you squat. But they do have these Russian style toilets with just a hole you squat over. They are appalled at toilets you sit on and think they are filthy.

Babies don't wear diapers. They just hold them up and let them go.

In the rural villages, the smell of urine was strong. My dd was not happy about that.

steph

[bethin]

Originally Posted by stevielynn

Welcome to Vietnam

Most times you squat. But they do have these Russian style toilets with just a hole you squat over. They are appalled at toilets you sit on and think they are filthy.

Babies don't wear diapers. They just hold them up and let them go.

In the rural villages, the smell of urine was strong. My dd was not happy about that.

steph

They had those in Korea too. I took a picture of it after I almost stepped in one. I'll have to see if I can dig it up. I remember having to go really bad and we were in the deep country, probably 2 hours from the nearest town. We happened upon a rudimentary village where they would let me use their 'toilet'. When they showed it to me, I said no way. I held it for hours more. I have never squated.

[pickledpepperRN]

When I was a kid and we traveled in Texas there were towns that didn't have a 'colored' bathroom.
We carried a roll of TP squatted behind a bush.
Boys & men after girls & women.

[Spidey's mom]

Well, I've squatted . .many times. We live in the mountains, we used to work on a farm, bathrooms are far away.

steph

[pickledpepperRN]

Originally Posted by stevielynn

Well, I've squatted . .many times. We live in the mountains, we used to work on a farm, bathrooms are far away.

steph

I'd rather squat that hold it for hours.
Aren't we classy here in current events?

[Spidey's mom]

Originally Posted by spacenurse

I'd rather squat that hold it for hours.
Aren't we classy here in current events?

Hey, it is a normal bodily function . . . Part of potty training for me and for my kids is done outside.

When we go way up to 7000 feet to get our Christmas tree, and the kids need to pee, what are ya gonna do . . . . . make them wait? No, you teach the girls to squat and the boys already know how to just pee. Boys are lucky that way.

I'd rather squat too, Space.

steph

[Elvish]

Once when I was at a migrant camp doing some health screenings with another nurse, a FNP, and an MD, I really had to pee and there was no ladies' bathroom....this particular migrant farmworker camp was all men. So the FNP stood guard while I went behind a shed. I can't remember what I used for TP but I do distinctly remember that feeling of 'dear God, please don't let any of these other nice people see my bare butt hanging out here....'

In all seriousness, this is a big public health issue. No toilets = raw sewage in the streets = contaminated water supply = cholera, typhoid, giardiasis etc. running rampant. This is how my husband grew up. Banana leaves or cardboard to wipe.