Conversations Encore: The Toilet Warrior's origin story
Jan 31, 2025
Mark Balla, a former Lonely Planet writer turned passionate sanitation advocate, recounts his life-changing encounter with two young men in a Mumbai slum. This meeting ignited his mission to address the dire lack of toilet facilities faced by millions, particularly impacting women and girls. He shares heart-wrenching stories from schools struggling with sanitation issues and illustrates how these challenges intertwine with education and health. Mark's journey has not only earned him the title 'Toilet Warrior' but has galvanized efforts to transform sanitation access worldwide.
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The Train Encounter
Mark Balla met two young men on a train in India, which led to his life-changing visit to a slum. This encounter opened his eyes to the lack of basic sanitation facilities.
Impact of No Toilets
Many schools in India lack toilets, causing girls to drop out due to menstruation-related issues. This situation underlines the importance of sanitation for education and gender equality.
The Emotional Moment
After funding a toilet for a teacher, Mark received a call stating she could now drink water at school. This marked a significant change in her life and the community's health.