As part of the Gender Integration initiative under the aegis of Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA) and Municipality of Narsapur we have constituted 8 plus Gender Forums (GFs) comprising of 91 members. GFs members are drawn from persons who are or have been part of Self Help Groups (SHGs), Mahila Arogya Samithis (MAS), Anaganwadis, Groups of Divyangs and other vulnerable sections of the society. These GFs work closely with the ULB and MEPMA to ensure equal participation of the vulnerable population. The Forum provides them a local structure to voice their concerns about sanitation services. GFs have been formed in 8 settlements of Narsapur.
The GFs act as the first point of contact to understand the situation of the settlement and to reach out to the residents of the settlement. The GF members have been trained on various aspects like Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) guidelines, Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM), Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), access to social and legal entitlements, etc. In Narsapur, GFs were established at Ponnapalli, Madhavaipalem, Chalavapeta, Srihari Peta, Krishna Babu colony, New NTR Colony, Lockpeta, and Peechupalem.
The Municipality of Narsapur and MEPMA have supported GFs across settlements to carry out a range of activities. This includes creating awareness, demanding and monitoring sanitation services, co-managing the facilities etc. Nearly, 72 applications were put forward for Individual Household Latrines (IHHL), out of which 34 applications have been approved and processed. GF members with the support of MEPMA and Health department and frontline workers such MAS conducted MHM orientation and trainings in schools.
IIGM implementation in Narsapur