In a major step towards empowering women and ensuring menstrual and maternal hygiene, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced a series of new government initiatives during the observance of World Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28).
Addressing the media, Deputy CM Parida passionately advocated for ending the stigma around menstruation. In a symbolic yet powerful message, she remarked,
“The most beautiful gift to present in a marriage should be sanitary napkins. If we come forward and start gifting sanitary napkins as presents, then the stigma and taboo surrounding the menstrual cycle will certainly be possible to eradicate.”
As part of a broader ‘Menstruation-Friendly City—Empowered, Inclusive and Aware’ campaign, the Odisha government will install sanitary pad vending machines in all schools, colleges, and offices across the state. These vending machines aim to ensure easy and stigma-free access to menstrual hygiene products for girls and women.
Additionally, new waste management technologies will be introduced in maternity wards to enhance hygiene and safety during childbirth.
In a parallel initiative to support nursing mothers, the state will also establish breastfeeding centres at public places such as bus stands and railway stations. These centres will offer a safe and dignified space for mothers to breastfeed, promoting public acceptance and removing long-held stigmas around breastfeeding in public.
Deputy CM Parida emphasized, “Women will also be able to breastfeed their children at bus stops. Such arrangements will be made. The stigma surrounding breastfeeding in public places will also be eradicated.”
The comprehensive hygiene push is part of the Odisha government’s larger commitment to building inclusive urban environments that prioritize the health, dignity, and everyday needs of women and girls.
