Jeevika Women Self-Help Groups’ Role in Improving Sanitation Status in Bihar

India is having the highest number of people defecating in the open. Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G) is an ambitious programme that envisages making rural India open defecation free (ODF). Bihar’s performance is at the bottom in sanitation map of the nation. Providing toilet to community and ensuring its usage are great challenges. A multidimensional approach is needed to ensure the behavioural change in the poverty-laden society of Bihar. In this paper, an attempt has been made to examine the role of Jeevikalead SHGs for leading the SBM-G. Jeevika is providing support as a development partner to 38 blocks in the state, which are called Jeevika-intensive blocks. In these blocks, the entire SBM-G programme is led by didis of Jeevika. SHGs are the best models for leading the SBM-G projects, as they change the earlier concept of toilet construction from grant driven to be demand driven. SHG plays a vital role in micro-financing for toilet construction. Women SHGs provide sanitation loans and conduct hygiene education in their communities. For awareness generation among the community, the method of community-led total sanitation (CLTS) has adapted. It aims to create ODF communities. Jeevika didis have been playing an important role in creating awareness about the need for toilets and motivating women to construct toilets. Their role in social mobilization and behavioural change has helped us to achieve an ODF Bihar.