Realization and Empowerment through Sanitation

For most of her 58 years, Ambia Khatun from Shararbati village in Gangni Upazila, Meherpur, never gave much thought to family latrine. Like many others in her community, she believed it was merely a place to dispose of waste—nothing more, nothing less. Life revolved around farming with her husband, Md. Anarul, a small farmer, cultivates land with their younger son. But something shifted one month ago. 

As a member of Sraboni Women Group under WAVE Foundation, she attended a routine group meeting. That day, Community Development Officer Shahinul Islam introduced a topic that would change her perspective forever: the connection between safe water, improved sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and a family’s well-being. He spoke not only of disease prevention and cleanliness but also of how a hygienic toilet could influence a family’s health, children’s education, dignity, and even economic condition. For the first time, Ambia saw the toilet not merely as a structure, but as a symbol of care, health, and respect. 

That same evening, she shared what she had learned with her husband. Together, they made a decision to take a WASH loan from WAVE. On March 19, 2025, Ambia received BDT 6,000 to build a hygienic toilet for her family. The change was immediate and far-reaching. The days of risking illness and discomfort were over. With the new toilet installed, the family experienced a boost in health, a sense of dignity, and growing respect from neighbors who noticed the improvement. But Ambia’s transformation didn’t stop there. 

What began as a personal change sparked a newfound sense of leadership. She began urging other women in her group to consider WASH loans. She explained how the simple act of building a hygienic toilet could lift families out of vulnerability and inspire pride and respect in the community. Today, Ambia is not just a beneficiary—she is a community advocate for sanitation. Through her eyes, her neighbors are beginning to understand sanitation is not just about infrastructure-it’s about empowerment, protection, and generational progress.