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.
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.
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.
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.
Facilitated by Quicksand since July 2025, the platform has been shaped through a co-creation process between CREA and WASH partners. Through online consultations, brainstorming, and iterative reviews, several inputs have been integrated on the content and design of the resources, as well as their accessibility and tone of voice. We hope that the platform reflects our shared vision for an inclusive, user-friendly space for capacity building and collaboration.
Start of CREA’s programme on ‘Integrating gender, sexuality and rights with urban sanitation’ in India
Formative assessment study to identify barriers, bottlenecks and opportunities around the urban sanitation ecosystem
National-level training workshop on integrating gender, sexuality and rights in urban sanitation for WASH partners
Learning exchange visits to inclusive sanitation initiatives in Tamil Nadu and Odisha
Training on gender inclusive sanitation in Tamil Nadu and capacity-building training in Odisha
National symposium on urban sanitation and webinar on World Toilet Day
Training of ULB officers and sanitation workers in Maharashtra
SELF Academy for young women from families of sanitation workers
National conclave on occupational health and safety of sanitation workers
National-level consultation and two state-level consultations (Bihar, Tamil Nadu) on disability-inclusive sanitation
Development of handbook and training modules on POSH for ULBs and SHG workers
Community leadership training programme for inclusive sanitation
National consultation on trans-inclusive sanitation