50 Women Leave In-Laws' Homes For Lack Of Toilets

Akshay Kumar's film 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha' has inspired many village women to stand up against open defecation. One such case is from Kottaimedu, Coimbatore.

As many as 50 brides in this village took the brave step of leaving their grooms in the last year due to lack of proper toilets in their in-laws’ homes.

Married off to grooms in a small village called Vincent Road in Kottaimedu, the women said NO to open defecation and returned to their parents’ homes.

READ: Mother’s Day Present: A 80-year-old Sells her Goats and Gifts a Toilet to her 102-year-old Mother-in-law

While the brides were earlier told that there were toilets in the village, they later found this to be untrue. Hence they collectively took the drastic step.

A 50-year-old woman from the village said her daughter-in-law refused to stay and left the house a few months ago. Though they made several requests that she return, the bride says she will come back only if they agreed to build toilets.

“Residents say there have been instances when prospective brides’ families refused to settle for marriage after learning that the man resides in the toilet-less region,” reported The New Indian Express

Also Read: Girl Builds Toilets For Needy With Her Pocket Money

According to The India Times report, when in early 2017, the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation decided to be open defecation-free under the Swacch Bharat Mission, more than 64 toilets were built.

While these were being used by thousands of families, the corporation reportedly demolished them. Reason? They said the poor stability of the building could cause damage. Despite complaints and protests, the residents are now forced to relieve themselves in open areas.

The residents lack enough money to re-build the toilets. But the officials at the corporation assured that an inquiry will be conducted in this regard, and the construction of 14 toilets will be completed within 15 days.

Hats off to the brides who raised this must-needed awareness of the importance of health and sanitation!

Must Read: Success stories of five female entrepreneurs making rural impact

Also Read: Without toilets, women wait for the dark

Also Read: A 12-year old girl to lead ‘Swachh Bharat, Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan’

Feature Image Credit: TOI

Read More Stories By Ria Das