Bhopal, Aug. 28, 2013: Two films on sanitation titled 'Dignity Thread: Women led Sanitation' and 'Community Led Total Sanitation in Madhya Pradesh' were launched at an event held in the Unicef office on Tuesday.
The films are documenting efforts of the self-help group (SHGs) women, in Shivpuri district, to promote building and usage of toilets, and efforts of villages to render their communities open defecation free in Budhni block of Sehore district. The films have been produced in partnership with department of panchayat and rural development and district administration of two districts by Unicef.
Speaking at the launch, Caroline den Dulk, chief of communication section, Unicef India said, "The two films are an effort to highlight the work of SHG women and communities to promote sanitation. Safe water, adequate sanitation and hygiene practices are essential for young children to survive and thrive, to be healthy and for their development."
Hyamwati Verman, state programme officer Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) said, "It is good to see efforts of especially women in the sanitation programme. The department of panchayat and rural development plans to disseminate these films through various channels to reach out larger audience."
Both John Kingsley (former district collector Shivpuri) and Ajit Tiwari (former CEO block Budhni) shared their experiences. They were instrumental in the work done in the field, which has been featured in the films.
Manish Mathur programme manager and officer in charge, Unicef office for Madhya Pradesh, Gregor von Medeazza water and sanitation specialist, Anil Gulati communication specialist, Unicef, Sudesh Kumar Malvia, joint commissioner state NBA coordinator (panchayat and rural development) among others were also present at the event. (Source: Rageshri Ganguly, TNN)