Latrines help restore dignity for girls like Nimco

Nimco is 13 years old. She lives in the Baki district of northwestern Somalia, an area of the country that’s been devastated by years of civil war.
 
Her village had a serious shortage of latrines. Until recently, 70 per cent of people were relieving themselves outside, causing sanitation issues that led to sickness and even death.
 
“I was feeling embarrassed,” says Nimco. “There is nothing more frustrating than being a girl, and at the same time trying to defecate in the bush and unsafe places.”
 
Thanks to your dedicated monthly support, World Vision was able to work with community members to construct latrines and hand washing facilities, while educating families about the importance of proper hygiene.
 
PHOTO
Nimco, age 13, washes her hands
 
Nimco’s mom Sa’ada explains how things have changed.
 
“The hygiene promotions and awareness campaigns, handwashing facilities and community latrines constructed by World Vision have reduced diarrhea and waterborne diseases,” she says. “We have less children dying.”
 
Families in Baki district continue to make progress with your ongoing help.
 
For example, schools with usable latrines rose 16 per cent between 2015 and 2016 and most now have separate toilets for girls and boys. Overall sanitation has improved with the construction of 51 community latrines, which are maintained by local volunteers and located in safe, secure locations. That means girls like Nimco don’t just have health and dignity, but peace of mind as well.