Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida emphasised the need to break the silence surrounding menstruation and create a period-friendly environment in public spaces.
Speaking at the World Menstrual Hygiene Day event organised at the State Institute for Women and Children, she described menstruation as a divine blessing and called for greater awareness and inclusivity.
ଋତୁସ୍ରାବ ସମୟରେ ସ୍ୱଚ୍ଛତା ନରଖିଲେ ତାହା ଆମ Dignity, Education & Equality ଉପରେ ପ୍ରଭାବ ପକାଉଛି । #MenstrualHygieneDay #MenstrualHealth #MenstrualHealthMatters #DCMPravatiParida pic.twitter.com/hGe3gPIum9
— Pravati Parida (@PravatiPOdisha) May 29, 2025
The event, held in collaboration with AINA NGO and the Department of Women and Child Development, focused on menstrual hygiene, education, and accessibility. Parida urged the establishment of women-friendly zones in public places to ensure comfort and dignity for menstruating individuals.
She stressed the importance of challenging menstrual taboos at the grassroots level and encouraged mothers to prioritise the well-being of their daughters. Additionally, she advocated for clean and accessible sanitation facilities in schools and colleges to support young girls.
ମହିଳା ଓ ଶିଶୁ ବିକାଶ ବିଭାଗ ଏବଂ ଆଇନା ଏନଜିଓ ର ମିଳିତ ପ୍ରୟାସରେ ଆଜି ରାଜ୍ୟ ମହିଳା ଓ ଶିଶୁ ପ୍ରତିଷ୍ଠାନର ଅଡିଟୋରିୟମ ଠାରେ ବିଶ୍ୱ ଋତୁସ୍ରାବ ସ୍ୱଚ୍ଛତା ଦିବସ ଉପଲକ୍ଷେ ଆୟୋଜିତ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମରେ ଯୋଗଦେଲି । ଏବେ ମଧ୍ୟ ଋତୁସ୍ରାବ ସହ ଜଡିତ ଅନ୍ଧବିଶ୍ୱାସ ଝିଅମାନଙ୍କୁ ଆଗକୁ ବଢ଼ିବାରେ ବାଧା ସୃଷ୍ଟି କରୁଛି ।
ଝିଅମାନଙ୍କୁ ଆଗକୁ… pic.twitter.com/Gh524SZ1Uz
— Pravati Parida (@PravatiPOdisha) May 29, 2025
The event saw participation from government officials, NGOs, and health experts, who discussed Odisha’s initiatives to improve menstrual hygiene. Organisations such as WaterAid, UNICEF, Piramal Foundation, and UNDP contributed to the discussions, highlighting the need for policy changes and community engagement.
A survey report on menstrual hygiene, conducted by AINA NGO, was also unveiled during the event, providing insights into sanitation challenges and solutions.
