A key component of the multi-sectoral development project undertaken by Shanta Foundation and Htee Kan Laung Village is our women’s empowerment program. This program facilitates small group discussions among women on critical topics such as child nutrition, immunization, hygiene, and safe motherhood.
91% of women (171 out of 188) actively participated in these discussions. This engagement fostered a deeper understanding of sanitation’s importance, leading to significant improvements in household latrines.
• Before the project: Less than 10 households had proper latrines.
• After the project: 117 toilets were either repaired or newly constructed. Only 10 households lack latrines meeting the “Four Proper Rules” (fly-proof latrines), with plans for completion in the coming year.
The cost of constructing a new toilet is estimated at around 1.5 million MMK ($339), with financial constraints being the primary barrier for those yet to make improvements.
As villagers enhanced their sanitation facilities, a notable decline in the fly population became evident. Initially, the latrine was viewed primarily as a waste disposal site, with limited understanding of its impact on public health. However, the project’s awareness-raising efforts effectively shifted this perception.

Daw Nan Be’s daughter poignantly observed, “Previously, villagers saw the latrine merely as a quick waste disposal site. It was only after Shanta initiated project discussions with us that we began to understand the significance of toilets for family health. When guests come over, it’s embarrassing not to have a proper toilet. I convinced my parents to fix the toilet first before addressing the house, and later, we will gradually save to make improvements to the house itself. Having a proper toilet represents dignity for every household. Our elders even call it ‘the respectable house’ in the Pa’O language. Now, I take pride in my home’s transformation into a dignified space.”
Nan Mya echoed this sentiment, sharing her experience of constructing a new toilet: “I participated in the women’s awareness discussions on two occasions. I learned about cleanliness and recognized the significance of toilet hygiene. I shared this knowledge with my family, leading us to save up and build a new toilet, which cost slightly over 1 million MMK. ($226).”

Daw Nan Mya Mae shared the broader benefits, stating, “Having a proper toilet now means I’m no longer embarrassed when guests come over. In the past, I felt so ashamed that I didn’t even want to use it myself, let alone invite them to. I’ve also noticed a significant decrease in the number of flies around the village. They used to be everywhere, even on our homegrown vegetables. Previously, we relied on a wooden stick system, which meant I had to handle all the cleaning alone, and that was quite inconvenient. Nowadays, everyone in our household uses water for cleansing, leading to marked improvements in cleanliness, odors, and flies. Our overall health has also seen enhancement—before, nearly all the village children often suffered from diarrhea, stomach aches, and dysentery about three to four times each year. Now, it’s rare to suffer from this.”
This project demonstrates the profound impact of empowering women and fostering community engagement in improving sanitation, hygiene, and overall well-being within the village. Women’s Group Discussions are an active program in 13 Myanmar villages in 2025 with more groups added annually.