Intersections of inequality: The Multiple Struggles of Madhesi Dalit Women in Water and Sanitation

Access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental human right, yet in Nepal, significant disparities persist, particularly for marginalized groups such as Madhesi Dalit women. Despite government policies aimed at equitable access, structural barriers rooted in caste discrimination, gender norms, and poverty continue to restrict these women’s ability to secure safe water and sanitation services. This study employs feminist and intersectional frameworks to explore how caste, gender, and class intersect to shape Madhesi Dalit women’s experiences in accessing water and sanitation in Ward No. 3 of Malangwa Municipality, Sarlahi district of Nepal. Using a qualitative methodology, data were initially collected from 61 households as the primary source of information due to the lack of data from the ward office. Following this, 21 in-depth interviews were conducted with Madhesi Dalit women, along with one focus group discussion and 12 key informant interviews with local officials and stakeholders. Findings reveal that Madhesi Dalit women face both physical and social constraints in accessing water and sanitation, exacerbated by climate change impacts, inadequate infrastructure, and persistent caste-based discrimination. These women often experience a “triple burden” of caste, gender, and poverty, compounded by cultural notions of impurity and untouchability that limit their access even within their own communities. Although local interventions such as tube well installations and toilet construction exist, financial and systemic barriers frequently prevent Madhesi Dalit women from benefiting fully. Institutional neglect, poor sanitation infrastructure, and exclusion from decision-making processes further marginalize them, increasing their vulnerability to health risks and social insecurity. The study highlights the gap between policy commitments and lived realities, emphasizing the need for inclusive, culturally sensitive, and gender-responsive approaches. This research contributes to understanding the complex social dynamics underlying water and sanitation inequities and calls for revising existing policies to address intersectional marginalization. Only through targeted, participatory, and equitable interventions can the rights and dignity of Madhesi Dalit women be realized, advancing Nepal’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6.