All ministries will be required to introduce gender neutral toilets within all their respective buildings by September, the government said today.

In a statement, it said gender neutral toilets ensured privacy and eliminated discomfort for trans and gender-variant persons, who often found themselves in uncomfortable situations when trying to access gender segregated toilets.

"The aim of these toilets is to ensure a non-judgemental or exclusive environment for all," it said.

Gender segregated spaces would remain within ministry buildings, with a minimum of one third of toilets to become gender neutral. To be truly available for all, gender neutral toilets would be distributed equally among buildings and their respective floors. All gender neutral toilets would have neutral signage.

This, the government said, was another initiative that further put in practice the government's belief in gender equality for all.

"These bathrooms reflect the government's policy in favour of gender mainstreaming by ensuring that toilet facilities are easily accessible and functional, as well as the government's policy against gender stereotypes and gender discrimination."

US president Barack Obama has said transgender pupils at public schools must be allowed to use the toilets and changing rooms of whichever gender they identify with.

The order comes amid a legal standoff between the Obama government and the state of North Carolina over a controversial “bathroom bill” which requires people to use bathrooms according to their biological sex.