5.3.1 Existing attitudes

Planners and decision makers exclude people, partly because their policies and the planning systems lack adequate consideration of marginalised groups, and partly because they lack knowledge of the conditions of these people in terms of access to safe WASH facilities. If considered at all, persons with disabilities are assumed to be insignificant. These negative attitudes are often shared by the wider community.

As you read in Study Session 3, attitudes to women can be dismissive and exclusive, and behaviour towards older women among some communities can be particularly shocking. They may be called witches and dishonoured rather than being supported and cared for, and they may be completely excluded from using communal facilities or participating in community gatherings. In some places menstruating women cannot attend religious meetings, as they are considered impure. This also includes attending community meetings, and therefore they are excluded from decisions that concern them.