A Need in More than One Sense. A Study on Access to Adequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Among Women Experiencing Homelessness

Sammanfattning

The aim of the study was to examine access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) among women experiencing homelessness in Sweden. The study further examined whether inadequate access contributed to menstrual poverty. To fulfil the aim, two research questions were used: ‘To what extent does access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) among women experiencing homelessness align with human rights to water and sanitation, dignity, and equality?’ and ‘How do public sanitary facilities, in relation to material and infrastructure, correspond to human rights to water and sanitation, dignity, and equality?’ The data was drawn upon professionals’ perspectives of the issue. Data collection was done using a qualitative design and two different methodologies: semi-structured interviews and visual ethnography. Semi-structured interviews were done with professionals in organisations working with women experiencing homelessness. Visual ethnographic methodology was used to photograph and observe public sanitation facilities. Results were analysed through a human rights-based approach, and feminist theory using social exclusion, spatial exclusion, structural inequality and embodied stigma as theoretical tools within feminist theory. Findings show that women experiencing homelessness are facing structural barriers in accessing adequate WASH facilities. This deprivation is caused by structural inequalities, such as gendered power relations, digital payment barriers and embodied stigma. Findings indicate that access to WASH and public sanitation infrastructure is insufficient to ensure the full realisation of human rights principles water and sanitation, dignity and equality among women experiencing homelessness.