Salu Naik, a sanitary worker from ward 62, shared that as a sanitary worker, they have to clean the drains and roads, which is very unhygienic. At work, he wears a PPE kit and ensures that everyone else does too. If anyone is not wearing a PPE kit, he instructs them to wear.
Saroj Kumar Nayak, a sanitary worker from Ward 69, shared via IVRS that the GARIM is organizing a free health check-up facility for sanitary workers, which is highly commendable. Additionally, we prioritize our own well-being by wearing masks, gloves, and gumboots while working to prevent infections.
Barsha Priyadarsini Chayani, a member of the Kishori club in ward 22, shared in IVRS that previously they had no idea about safe disposal and hygiene practices. However, after attending regular Kishori club meetings, they learned about the importance of safe disposal to avoid climate risks. As a result, they started wrapping sanitary napkins with paper and handing them over to the BMC waste collection vehicles for proper management.
Anjali Swain, a newly married woman from Mayfair Nagar Ward 16, shared her experience about dealing with menstruation after getting married at the age of 18. At her mother's house, she was instructed to avoid using household items and touching anyone for three days due to local rituals. However, when she got her period for the first time at her in-laws' house, she was initially scared to inform her mother-in-law. To her relief, her mother-in-law did not believe in such stigmas. Instead, she allowed Anjali to continue her usual activities, took care of her dietary needs, and even brought sanitary pads from the store, advising her to rest. This supportive environment made a significant positive impact on Anjali's perception of menstruation.
Santosini Patro, the mother of an adolescent girl from Mayfair Nagar, Ward 16, shared on IRS that when she got her first period, she was very worried after seeing the blood. She discussed this situation with her mother, who explained that it is a normal process of the body and that it will happen monthly to discharge waste blood from the body. At this time, her mother did not force her to follow local rituals, and her brother and father helped and provided support. She expressed that she was very happy to see how her family was so period-friendly. Now, she also guides her daughter and other family members that periods are not a stigma, and because of this, no one should be left behind.
Sasikala Nayak, an adolescent girl from Rasulgarh Sabar Sahi, shared about menstrual hygiene through the IVRS. Shared the importance of handwashing before and after using pads, a practice is compared to the habitual handwashing before and after meals. from childhood, everyone is advised to wash their hands before eating but no guidance is provided on hand and personal hygiene related to menstrual care. The COVID-19 pandemic gives us the knowledge and important of handwashing in preventing from the virus. Advocate for not only encouraging the use of sanitary pads to prevent infections but also promoting safe disposal practices. She advised properly wrapping used pads in paper and disposing of them in a dustbin, ensuring they are handed over to waste collection vehicles. This practice contributes to maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for everyone.
Archana Mohanty, an adolescent girl from Mangala Sahi, Ward 38, shared her voice in IVRS about her menstrual health. She mentioned her period is regular with a 28-day gap. During her menstrual cycle, ensures to maintain proper hygiene and a nutritious diet. She expressed the importance of these practices to stay healthy and well-balanced. She shares with other adolescents in her community to prioritize their menstrual health and hygiene.
Bangi Hasda, a woman from Kalinga Bihar, shared on IVRS that periods are the beginning of motherhood. She explained that menstruation starts during the adolescent period of every girl and is a natural process gifted from God, It is important to maintain personal hygiene during this period. When she is on her period, she takes care of herself for the first five days, changing her pads three times a day. If using the cotton pads, then she ensures to dry in heavy sunlight to prevent wet conditions and prevent from infections. She believes that with proper self-care, menstruation can be managed without pain and can be handled just like any other day. Her practical advice and positive outlook encourage others to menstruate with care and confidence.
Susanti Roula one of the sanitary worker of ward no 5 and 11, who lived in sriram nagar shared her voice on IVRS that previously she was working in puffed rice factory , but unfortunately it was closed as because I'm a single women, it impacts on my financial condition, if became difficult to arrange a single time food for a day, after some days I get the information about the engagement of swacchakarmi in BMC plant, and I have joined here and learn about the plastic segregation process and in the plant BMC take care of our responsibility, duty hour is 8 hours , we have the proper toilet and bathroom facility with the availability of detergent and soap, during segregation we are using mask , gloves and gun boot. Earlier their is no drinking water facility but now BMC provide us drinking water with one time snakes at morning time.
Rashmi Ranjita Singh, a member of the community in Mayfair Nagar, Ward No. 16, shared her disaster preparedness plan on IVRS. She stated that during a climate disaster, the first priority is to take care of emergency items such as important documents, and to focus on the safety of babies. It is also important to maintain hygiene during such times, and for women, menstruation is a natural process that cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of mood swings and period cramps as well.