Debate About WC Fees in Vienna: Are Women Disadvantaged?
At 28 highly frequented locations in Vienna, such as Rathausplatz, the use of enclosed toilet cubicles costs 50 cents. Urinals, on the other hand, are freely accessible. The responsible municipal department 48 justifies this with increased cleaning efforts and the need for supervisory staff. The fee requirement also only applies at certain times of the day.
Expert Laments Lack of Gender Equality in Vienna's Toilets
However, the model is increasingly criticized – particularly from an equality and planning perspective, as reported by ORF. Gender expert and architect Sabina Riss speaks of structural disadvantage: Women are more often out and about with small children or elderly relatives in everyday life – and therefore more reliant on protected toilet facilities.
"The additional fee for enclosed cubicles particularly affects women," says Riss. While men can use urinals for free, women face additional financial and time burdens. This regulation reproduces existing inequalities in public spaces.
Criticism Also of the Planning of Toilet Facilities
Even in new buildings and public facilities, according to Riss, too little consideration is given to gender-specific needs. Although the knowledge exists that women generally need more time in toilets – for example, due to menstruation or accompanying responsibilities – this is hardly reflected in the structural implementation.
The Vienna Building Code regulates the minimum number of toilet facilities, but does not take into account the different usage profiles. In practice, this leads to bottlenecks and longer waiting times – especially for women.
Ombudsman Identifies Discrimination Against Women
"This case of discrimination truly reeks to high heaven," said Ombudswoman Gabriela Schwarz (ÖVP) on Friday regarding the issue. "Equality looks different. I do not accept the justification that a higher cleaning effort is necessary for toilet cubicles. Because let's be honest: men don't always hit the mark at a urinal either," Schwarz complained.
She therefore expects the city of Vienna to "immediately" rectify this inequality: "Equal treatment when using the toilet is not a luxury, but a duty." Apart from the discrimination, the city of Vienna denies women who do not have cash on them "the human need and right to relief through a public toilet," criticized Schwarz.
(Red)
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