On March 18, 2025, in recognition of International Women's Day (March 8) and World Water Day (March 22), global organizations and experts came together for a powerful webinar—For ALL Women: Equality and Empowerment through Climate-Resilient Inclusive WASH. The webinar brought together presenters from Water for Women, WaterAid, World Vision, SNV, UTS-ISF, and CFAR. Together, they focused on community participation, empowerment, and accountability in strengthening WASH systems. Akhila Sivadas, Executive Director of CFAR, shared her insights on redefining WASH systems to amplify community voices and agency. She emphasized that participatory planning and collective decision-making are key to achieving sustainable and inclusive WASH improvements.
Basanti Sahu, Simili Basti, Ward 46 shared feedback renovation of Community toilet
Manisa Nayak, Simili Basti, Ward 46 shared feedback on renovation of community toilet
Suchitra Hati, Aaiginia Bhoi Sahi, Ward 49 shared feedback on drainage construction and covered has done successfully after registering the grievance
Tapaswini Dagra, Ward 22 We must understand the importance of using toilets. Citizen can access the toll-free number 8800421444, 1929 and SAFA Application to register sanitation related feedback. Our aim is to strengthen sanitation services and ensure cleanliness of our City.
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Riya Pradhan, Mayfair Nagar, Ward 16 said in the past the waste collection vehicle was not provided in our settlement we are throwing out using a sanitary pad outside or drain but now the waste collection vehicles are coming regularly we are handover to our using a sanitary pad in the waste collection vehicle
Ms.Jyoshna Rani Nayak, Women's National President at South Asian Sanitation Labour Network reflected her personal story that her parents were engaged as sanitation workers which inspired her to fight for the rights and dignity of sanitation workers for the last fifteen years. She expressed that Bhubaneswar was declared a smart City because of the tremendous efforts of the sanitation workers. She reinforced personal hygiene promotion, cleaning the personal protective equipment and dried it carefully. Odisha is the first state where a sanitation workers survey was done in twelve districts and sanitation workers are getting personal protective equipment,” she remarked.
Smt.Bijayalaxmi Nayak, Zonal Commissioner of South East Zone, encouraged sanitation workers to follow the Government guidelines and proper use of safety measures to reduce the health crisis.
Ms. Meera Parida, Founder of SAKHA, praised the workers for their commitment and urged them to prioritize safety. She recognized BMC’s efforts to uphold the rights and dignity of sanitation workers and stressed the importance of safe work practices. “Sanitation work is honorable and essential; using safety gear ensures dignity,” she stated.