In a novel initiative, the Pune Zilla Parishad has set up Sakhi cells, period-friendly rooms for women, to be utilised by zilla parishad employees during menstruation.
During menstruation, it is very difficult for women to do 8 to 10 hours of rigorous work. Most women experience minor pain while on period, but severe pain leads to disruption of day-to-day activities for some. Having pain before period or experiencing dysmenorrhea during menstruation are common, said Pooja Parge, chairperson of the Women and Child Welfare Department, Pune Zilla Parishad.
Officials said the Sakhi cells will be equipped with a sanitary napkin-vending machine (paid), bed, sofa, table, chair, fan, drinking water, mirror, hot water heater, sanitary napkin incinerator, first-aid kit (with medicine), computer and chocolate (paid). Local self-help groups and women shopkeepers will be involved in the initiative, encouraged by Nirmala Pansare, president of the Pune Zilla Parishad.
Beside the zilla parishad headquarters, the Sakhi cells are located in panchayat samiti offices at 13 tehsils, as informed by Dr Ratnaprabha Potdar, supervisor at the Integrated Child Development Services
The decision on the initiative was taken after the Women and Child Welfare Department organised a free dialogue for women recently with participation of over 100 female officers and employees. Several important issues, including establishing a period-friendly room to help facilitate work during menstruation, were discussed at the dialogue.
