The world has a serious problem with poop and it's time we start talking about it. If you asked me a few weeks ago about my thoughts on the world’s poop problem, I probably would’ve giggled nervously and avoided the question. But once I learned that nearly one-in-three people around the world do not have access to basic sanitation I knew I had to get over my shyness and discuss what you and I do on a daily basis. And what is basic sanitation exactly? Quite simply it's having access to clean water and a working toilet. So about a third of the world's population doesn't get to drink clean water or go number 2 in a clean toilet. Without access to a working toilet, a person is forced to openly defecate. This means that 2.5 billion people have no other option but to relieve themselves outside where other people walk, eat, breathe, and sleep.

Consider that about half of that number represents women and girls who are also traditionally responsible for their household's water supply and sanitation. If women and girls are the ones who are mainly responsible for water sanitation they are at an increased risk of illness, but that's not all. When women and girls are forced to openly defecate, the consequences can be huge. You need to start talking about this and here are 5 ways to get you started.

1.) The majority of illness in the developing world is caused by fecal matter.

Water that has been contaminated by fecal matter is the primary cause for illness in the developing world and with nearly 500,000 children dying every year from diarrhea caused by unsafe water, we need to find a solution. Diarrhea related diseases and intestinal worms can be a matter of life and death for someone living in region where open defecation is an issue. As traditional caretakers and water suppliers of the households, women and girls are particularly vulnerable to diseases or worms that come from fecal matter. Being openly exposed to fecal matter or unclean water on a daily basis makes the potential for illness skyrocket.  

2.) In many cultures around the world women and girls have to wait until nightfall to use the bathroom.

When women and girls have to wait from the time the sun rises until the sun sets to relieve             themselves, they are more susceptible to discomfort and serious illness. It is never healthy to hold it in for more than 6 hours, let alone 12 hours. Waiting until nightfall can also have serious implications for sexual assault and violence. If women and girls have no choice but to walk through fields in the dark every night, the dangers of harassment becomes a serious concern.

3.) Schools without safe, separate, and proper sanitation facilities prevent girls from attending school.

Girls who want to pursue an education are often met with the challenge of schools not having proper wash and sanitation facilities. This is one of the main reasons why girls are prevented from going to school, especially if they're menstruating. Without access to proper sanitation facilities in schools girls are prevented from receiving an education that boys get. And when women don't have access to education, they're often prevented from entering or progressing in the workforce. Education is empowering. Work is empowering. Women who do both can and will change the world.

4.) It's not all bad! Global Citizens have made strong efforts to fight for proper water supply and sanitation all around the world.

With well over 35,000 signatures from Global Citizens, we are encouraging world leaders to reallocate resources and funds towards basic sanitation so we can end open defecation once and for all. US leaders such as Senator Paul Simon have introduced the Water for the World Act which seeks to improve the lives of those without access to proper latrines and wash facilities. The Water for the World Act is rapidly gaining strong support and with your help we can make sure more people, particularly women and girls, have access to safe water and proper latrines and toilets.

5.) Our partnerships with organizations like WaterAidare already making a huge impact on sanitation efforts globally.

We have seen tremendous success in countries such as India, Nepal, and Bangladesh thanks to WaterAid who have helped over 19.2 million people receive access to proper sanitation and clean water. Through studies conducted by WaterAid we have learned that communities can make a huge difference in pressuring their governments for assistance. The citizens who have been absolutely pivotal to the sanitation movement have largely been women and girls. They have helped educate their communities about proper sanitation and with continued support reaching an open defecation free world will be in our near future.

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Kiana Robinson