This document summarizes a study on institutions and gender related to sanitation practices in three small towns in Uttar Pradesh, India. It describes the objectives of understanding gaps in formal and informal sanitation practices and their gender dimensions. It then provides details on the methodology used, including site visits and consultations. Next, it discusses the sanitation situations, challenges, and key institutions in each of the three towns: Mughalsarai, Unnao, and Gangaghat. It outlines several gender-related issues around women's roles. Finally, it provides recommendations around improving sanitation regimes through community-based and decentralized models, targeting outreach to women, improving conditions for informal waste workers, and empowering local institutions.