Background

An open-access platform for mainstreaming inclusion in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).

Launched in 2021, CREA’s Gender and WASH program strengthens partner capacities to integrate gender and inclusion in sanitation. Building on this work, the Centre of Excellence, anchored in CREA’s gender and rights expertise, serves as a one-stop hub for knowledge, capacity building, and collaboration on inclusive, transformative WASH.

Audiences

The platform supports diverse stakeholders, including Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), Community Toilets and Public Toilets operators, sanitation workers, and WASH partners by offering evolving resources and services. It serves as a reference for policymakers and programme implementers adopting intersectional, gender-transformative and rights-based approaches, extending its relevance to sectors like health and livelihoods for inclusive development.

Core partners

This platform is hosted by CREA with the support of the Gates Foundation. Quicksand is the technical support partner, leading the design of the platform and facilitation.

WASH partners

The platform is made possible by the collaborative efforts of WASH partners—leading academic institutions, think tanks, and organisations from across India that bring their experience and implementation insights. The partners work across several Indian states—Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Together, we have co-created tools and resources to prioritise gender inclusion and amplify inclusive, rights-based approaches in sanitation practice and policy.

Process of co-creation