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Improving Safety for Women Through Latrine Lighting and Locking Prototypes in Nigeria’s IDP Camps
- Emmanuella Azike
- Nigeria
- IRC
- October 22, 2025
- Project start date: 01/05/2024 Project end date: 31/07/2024
Situation
In camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Maiduguri, Nigeria, women faced heightened risks due to poor lighting and inadequate locking systems in communal latrines. These conditions exposed them to gender-based violence and unsanitary environments. In response, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) launched a crowdsourcing challenge to identify safety-enhancing solutions.
Assignment
The task focused on assessing lighting and locking systems for female users—adolescents, women, and older adults—within the camp. A participatory process was designed to uncover key cultural, safety, and contextual needs, ensuring that solutions would be both appropriate and sustainable for the local context.
Approach
Prototype testing was conducted with female clients, who engaged directly with the new systems. Feedback was gathered through observation, interviews, and co-creation activities. Insights informed refinements to installation methods and user experience.
Result
The process led to practical improvements: weatherproof materials for durability, simplified installation for scalability, and adaptable designs for varied contexts. Outcomes were shared through testimonials, story reports, and visual documentation, laying the groundwork for wider adoption.