💩 How do working toilets change lives?

Because giving is about so much more than money, we’re sharing the stories of three young activists from around the world in the run-up to GivingTuesday.

Archana K R is a change leader, activist, social entrepreneur… and sanitation educator.

Raised by a single mother in rural Karnatka, Archana faced hardship growing up – particularly in accessing education and basic sanitation. One in every three school children, around 539 million globally, does not have access to a functional toilet at school. Millions of adolescent girls miss school every month during their period due to inadequate facilities and many more are placed at increased risk of harm when forced to relieve themselves in the open. Inadequate sanitation affected Archana’s dignity, health, and education, and inspired her to drive change for the better.

Growing up in a marginalised Dalit community, Archana experienced firsthand the challenges of poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity. A school visit from a female politician from her own social class “lit a fire” in Archana, who knew then that she wanted to lead and be a voice for others. Archana went on to achieve a master’s degree in social work and learned how deeply sanitation is connected to education outcomes for women and girls, affecting their entire lives. She taught herself English, was selected for the She Creates Change programme, and went on to lobby the government, receiving national media attention. On International Women’s Day in 2021, after two years of campaigning, the Karnatka Government announced increased funding for school sanitation, improving conditions for millions of students at 49,000 schools in the region.

Today, Archana’s work as the founder of Stand4SHE (sanitation, health, and education) encompasses other marginalised communities, including women, Dalits, tribal groups, transgender people, and underserved young people. Her mission is to identify 100 young people from within marginalised communities and to empower them, through leadership, mentoring, and access to resources, building a network of changemakers.

To train one of these young people costs the equivalent of approximately USD $1,200 per year. If you want to get involved, be that through volunteering, donating, spreading awareness, or connecting Archana to potential funders, you can reach out to her on LinkedIn. Every action counts towards lasting change.

Archana was one of three remarkable young changemakers who gave the closing keynote at IFC 2024. If you need a dose of inspiration, you can watch it here.