Pune: In a pioneering move, the Pune Zilla Parishad (ZP) has established a “Sakhi Room” to provide a comfortable space for female employees during their menstrual cycle, recognizing the need for mental and physical rest.
Designed with the aim of improving women’s health and wellness, this facility allows employees working eight to twelve-hour shifts to take necessary breaks during these days.
Government offices typically require women to work alongside men without any special provision for rest during menstruation. Addressing this gap, the Pune ZP took the lead in establishing the Sakhi Room.
This dedicated space is equipped with essential amenities to offer comfort to female employees and has proven beneficial not only to them but also to contract-based staff and women visiting the council for various purposes.
In addition, the Sakhi Room is located next to the 'Hirkani Room,' allowing women visiting from rural areas to feed their young children. During recent teacher protests, the room offered much-needed support to women attending with young children, underscoring its usefulness.
According to the Women and Child Welfare Department, this is the first such facility established by a Zilla Parishad in Maharashtra.
Jamsingh Girase, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Women and Child Welfare Department, stated, “The Sakhi Room has been created for the benefit of all female employees. Additionally, a health team is stationed nearby, enabling women to use the room if they feel unwell.”
Supervisor Dr. Ratnaprabha Potdar elaborated, “Located on the first floor, the Sakhi and Hirkani Rooms are equipped with sanitary napkins and other amenities. This allows female employees to rest during their menstrual periods and offers a space for women from rural areas visiting the council to breastfeed. The main purpose of the room is to provide comfort, enabling employees to either rest or work from there as needed.”
The Concept Behind Sakhi Room
The idea for the Sakhi Room originated during an open dialogue session hosted by the Women and Child Welfare Department, addressing the needs of women employees. It was officially inaugurated with the presence of female ZP officers before the start of the administrative period.
Features of the Sakhi Room
The room is fully furnished with a door, curtains, bed, sofa, table, chairs, fan, drinking water, a mirror, sanitary napkins, a first-aid kit, and a women’s complaint box marked with the ZP logo. A restroom is also available adjacent to the room on the first floor.
Pune ZP’s Sakhi Room has been positively received, providing a much-needed facility for female employees and women from rural areas. The initiative has garnered appreciation from employees and visiting women alike, who express satisfaction with the council’s thoughtful step towards women’s well-being. Santosh Patil, CEO of the Pune Zilla Parishad, commented that the initiative is fulfilling its intended purpose effectively.
