A Feminist Critical Analysis of Public Toilets and Gender: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review explores how the provision and experience of public toilets in urban spaces are gendered in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. A search of 4 bibliographic databases resulted in 19 articles for inclusion. Data were analyzed using a feminist critical perspective and the United Nations (UN) framework on standards to assess the provision of sanitation in public spaces. The framework criteria include availability; accessibility; affordability; quality and safety; and acceptability, privacy, and dignity. This review demonstrates that more public toilets that consider the needs of all genders are needed, and it offers guidance to policymakers, planners, and funders on what to consider when planning and building them.