**NMMC Organizes Health and Hygiene Camp for Women Sanitation Workers in Navi Mumbai**
In a bid to promote health awareness among sanitation workers, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) recently organized a special health and hygiene camp for women sanitation workers, popularly known as Swachhata Saathis. The event was held at Mahatma Phule Bhavan, Vashi, under the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign, guided by Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, in collaboration with the NGO Shelter Associates. Over 300 women sanitation workers attended and benefited from the camp.
### Focus on Menstrual Health and Sustainable Practices
The camp primarily focused on menstrual health and hygiene, with experts providing scientific yet simple guidance on personal care during menstruation. Women were encouraged to adopt sustainable alternatives such as cloth pads and menstrual cups.
Participants were also educated about the environmental hazards posed by disposable sanitary pads, which often clog public toilets and drainage lines, leading to sanitation and health challenges. The emphasis on sustainable menstrual hygiene aimed to promote both health and environmental well-being.
### NGO Initiatives and Distribution of Menstrual Cups
Shelter Associates highlighted their ongoing efforts at the community level, where women are sensitized through workshops, interactive discussions, and games. As part of the initiative, menstrual cups were distributed free of cost to the attendees.
To date, the NGO has distributed 1,050 menstrual cups, with many women already adopting them. This shift is projected to prevent the generation of approximately 8.82 lakh disposable sanitary pads as waste over the next 7–8 years. Additionally, it is expected to save families recurring expenses while reducing carbon emissions by around 630 kg.
### Sharing Experiences and Promoting Sustainable Waste Management
During the session, women sanitation workers shared personal experiences of using menstrual cups, making the training more relatable and impactful. Officials emphasized that the initiative not only promotes sustainable waste management but also contributes significantly to women’s health and financial savings.
### Dignitaries and Organizers Present
The camp was attended by key officials including Solid Waste Management Deputy Commissioner Dr. Ajay Gadade, Engineer Vaibhav Deshmukh, Headquarters Sanitation Inspector Kiran Solaskar, Vashi Sanitation Officer Jayashree Adhal, and Vashi Sanitation Inspectors.
Representatives from Shelter Associates who participated in the event included Dhanashree Gurav, Amol Gade, Vaibhav Kale, Sunita Sakunde, and Manisha Surve. The program also welcomed Richa Samit, chief of the fitness organization Let’s Celebrate Fitness.
—
This initiative reflects NMMC’s commitment to empowering women sanitation workers through education and sustainable practices, fostering better health, environmental care, and financial well-being for the community.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/nmmc-organises-health-and-hygiene-camp-for-women-sanitation-workers-in-vashi
