Suman Ku Nayak, an elderly man from Indiramaidan Basti ward 38, shared in an IVRS that there is no drainage in our settlement. As a result, water cannot drain during heavy rainfall, causing stagnant water and creating unhygienic conditions. This issue needs to be addressed as a priority.
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.
Laxmipriya Nayak, an adolescent girl from Mayfair Nagar Ward 16, delivered an important message on Global Menstrual Hygiene Day through IVRS about the necessity of using sanitary pads for menstrual health. She highlighted that while some may prefer using cotton drying the cotton in hot sunlight prevents germ buildup. However, during the rainy season, when sunlight is scarce, that’s why she strongly advocated for the use of sanitary pads especially in the rainy season to maintain hygiene, she also highlighted that on this occasion of menstrual hygiene, we are taking an oath that we are worthy to make changes and convert our settlement-period friendly.
Rashmi Rekha Behera shared her first-period experience on IVRS, that she got her first period at the age of 17. At that time, she was completely unaware of menstruation. When she noticed the red dot, she confided in her grandmother. Her grandmother instructed her to stay away from others and avoid touching or seeing anyone for seven days. She also explained to Rashmi that this event marked the beginning of her reproductive years and was a natural part of growing up. After seven days went to the temple and then resumed her daily life. She wants to highlight the traditional practices and lack of awareness surrounding menstruation in her community. It need for better menstrual education and support for adolescent girls to help them understand and manage their periods in a healthy and informed manner.
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.
Susama Sahoo, from Kali Mandir Basti in Unit-6 ward 46, made a request to the government through the IVRS that the urgent need of installing a cooling Aquaguard inside the Kali Temple, because of this extreme heat conditions community faces lots of problems, By installing a cooling Aquaguard, the temple would become a vital resource for community, providing much relief and ensuring that everyone can easily access safe drinking water during this challenging time.
Koili Barik, an elder woman from Kali Mandir Basti in Ward 46, shared her concerns through the IVRS platform about an open drain in front of her house. Due to the drain being filled with garbage, water cannot flow easily, causing the drain to overflow and wastewater enters into the households. This situation has led to mosquito breeding and the wastewater creates very unhygienic conditions in the surrounding, it’s need for urgent attention from the BMC to address this issue. After the drain is cleaned, she and her neighbors are willing to take care of it voluntarily to prevent from future problems.
Rajani Padiari, a single woman from Pandakudia in Ward 22, has been seeking the government's attention for a monthly pension through IVRS , she applied for this many days ago, her request has not been recognized by the authorities. As a single woman with limited resources, she expressed the importance of pensions for her daily survival. She earnestly requests the government to review her application.
Rinki Naik, a woman from Pandakudia, Ward 22, registered feedback on IVRS about the irregular timing of the garbage collection vehicle in her area. Due to the vehicle's inconsistency, households preferred to dump waste near the Hanuman temple. Unfortunately, this dumped waste is not cleared by any waste collection service, leading to mosquito breeding and bad smell. During this heavy heatwave, it is impossible for residents to sit near the temple in the evening to enjoy some natural wind, due to the mosquitoes and the unpleasant odor. Which needs to be cleaned.