Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida made a passionate appeal to normalise conversations around menstruation by suggesting a symbolic shift in social practices.
Deputy CM Parida said, “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.”
She further announced a series of government initiatives aimed at improving menstrual and maternal hygiene. Sanitary pad vending machines will be installed in every school, college, and office to ensure accessibility. The Deputy Chief Minister said that separate technology would be used for waste management in maternity wards to improve hygiene and safety during childbirth.
“In a new approach, we are installing specific technology for waste management in pregnancy wards,” she added.
Highlighting further public welfare measures, she stated, “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.”
To support this effort, breastfeeding centres will be established at public places like bus stands and railway stations. These centres aim to provide safe and hygienic spaces for nursing mothers, while also promoting acceptance of public breastfeeding as a natural and necessary act.
On this occasion of World Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28), the Deputy Chief Minister formally launched the campaign ‘Menstruation-Friendly City—Empowered, Inclusive and Aware’. The initiative seeks to raise awareness, remove societal stigma, and build inclusive urban environments that cater to the health and dignity of women.
The state government hopes these steps will inspire collective action towards creating a more supportive and understanding society for women and girls across Odisha.
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