Day 10

I think most ladies have experienced the painful long queue in order to 'answer the call of nature' when hanging out. Although hygiene has been improved in the recent years, sometimes we'll avoid using the toilets due to 'wonderful' smell.

The following is an interesting article about public toilets:
By the way, I didn't know there's an association for Toilets, haha.. :)


Adapted from SCMP
Guidelines fail to close the lid on toilet furore

The newly improved ratio between male and female public toilets has failed to please women - and a man has come out in their support.

In a recently released code for new shopping arcades, department stores and entertainment areas, the Buildings Department says the ratio should be increased from 1:1 to 1:1.25 - or five women's toilets for every four for men.

But Hong Kong Federation of Women chairwoman Peggy Lam Pei Yu-dja said yesterday the ratio was insufficient and should be increased. "There just aren't enough toilets for ladies, no matter at the airport or public places," she said. "First of all, shoppers are mainly females. And ladies need more time to use the bathroom. Men can finish their business much quicker."

Hong Kong Toilet Association vice-president Lo Wing-lok said a study last month found the ideal ratio was 1:2. "We observed that on average a man takes 70 seconds while a woman needs 96 seconds," he said. "The 1:1.25 ratio is not enough."

Women's Coalition for Equal Opportunity spokeswoman Christina Wong Wai-yin said the ratio should be based on the amount of time spent by the sexes in toilets.
"Female toilets aren't women-friendly and hygiene is a problem," she said. Women had to "master the skill of sitting on an empty chair" to avoid touching the seat.

A Buildings Department spokesman said the 1:1.25 ratio had been recommended pending completion of a review of regulations.
"There's an urge to improve the [toilet conditions] and we hope the industry will co-operate as soon as possible," he said.
The spokesman said the ratio was based on the present situation and estimated population growth. It could not be enforced by law.
The existing requirements were developed in the late 1950s.

Many major shopping areas have already improved facilities for women. Sun Hung Kai Properties said it had been improving toilets at its malls over the past three years and the ratio at its malls was 1:2.
Swire Properties said the ratio at its Festival Walk, Pacific Place and Cityplaza malls surpass the department's recommendation.

Mrs Lam suggested the city follow Japan's example, where "machines change the toilet seat cover sheet automatically. This is very hygienic".
She also said there should be more space between wash basins to give women more room to do their make-up.