Public toilets aren’t just a convenience—they’re about dignity, safety, and inclusion. A guideline from Sex Matters highlights why single-sex facilities remain vital, and how organisations can balance everyone’s needs within the law.
The guideline explores the legal, practical, and social issues around providing toilets in public and workplace settings. It emphasises compliance with UK law (Equality Act 2010, EHRC guidance, UK Building Regulations, and British Standards), while also prioritising user comfort, safety, and dignity.
Key Points:
- Single-sex toilets remain the preferred and most comfortable option. Research shows that 87% of people feel uncomfortable using gender-neutral toilets, and over 50% prefer strictly separate facilities.
- Unisex toilets are useful in specific situations (single cubicle with handwashing, accessible to everyone), but should supplement—not replace—single-sex spaces.
- Accessible toilets are vital for people with disabilities, who should have easy, equal access without barriers such as locked facilities.
- Women’s needs are distinct. Women require more toilets because of menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and higher frequency of use. Urinals for men reduce queues and improve hygiene.
- Best practice: provide separate male and female toilets, plus a unisex/accessible option, with clear signage using internationally recognised pictograms and words.
- Risks of mixed-sex toilets: higher likelihood of sexual harassment, voyeurism, and discomfort for women and faith groups. Many women avoid venues that don’t provide single-sex toilets.
- Transgender considerations: While trans people face difficulties in public toilet use, the guide stresses that single-sex spaces remain lawful and essential. The solution is clear rules, respect, and the provision of unisex single-user options.
- Policies and signage matter. Ambiguity fuels conflict, while clarity prevents misunderstanding and ensures fairness.
Summary
Most people prefer separate toilets for men and women. Research shows that 87% feel uncomfortable using gender-neutral toilets, and women in particular report safety concerns and practical needs that unisex facilities often fail to meet. Women need more provision than men—due to menstruation, pregnancy, and other health factors—while urinals help reduce queues and improve hygiene for men.
That doesn’t mean unisex facilities don’t have a role. A single-user, fully enclosed unisex toilet works well for parents with young children, people with carers, and those who don’t wish to use single-sex spaces. But the guide warns against replacing single-sex toilets with mixed-sex washrooms, which raise risks of harassment, voyeurism, and exclusion for women and faith groups.
The law is clear: it’s lawful and good practice to provide single-sex spaces alongside accessible and unisex options. Clear signs, transparent policies, and staff training are essential to prevent confusion or conflict.
Ultimately, the best approach is simple and inclusive:
- Provide separate toilets for women and men
- Add a unisex/accessible option
- Use clear, standard signage
This way, everyone—men, women, trans people, parents, children, and disabled users—can meet their needs safely, privately, and with dignity.