A recent study claims, in India 80% of sanitary waste workers are women. Given their nature of work – the occupational hazards associated with it make them inevitably exposed to harmful gases and chemicals that lead to infections and other diseases.
In addition, managing menstruation during their work routine comes with several social and environmental barriers. Informing women sanitation workers about the negative health impact of poor hygiene practices is one way to address this issue. Providing a space for them to openly discuss issues in relation to this matter helps them understand the need to protect themselves.
The TNUSSP team working in two town panchayaths in the Coimbatore District – have been conducting sessions on hygienic practices and methods for safe menstrual protection with women sanitary workers from the region
The team has been constantly interacting and supporting these sanitary workers through focus group discussions and awareness programmes periodically.
