Enhancing Menstrual Hygiene: Kerala Implements Sanitary Pad Vending Machines in Schools

The Kerala government will install sanitary pad vending machines in all schools across the state. Announcing the decision, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted, "The State Government has decided to install sanitary napkin vending machines in all schools across Kerala, reaffirming menstrual hygiene as a fundamental right for girls. This project aims to break taboos, promote health, and empower our girls to soar with confidence!"

A sanitary pad vending machine is a device that dispenses sanitary pads or menstrual products. These machines are designed to offer easy and convenient access to menstrual hygiene products for women in public places such as schools, colleges, workplaces, shopping malls, airports, and public restrooms.

In 2017, Kerala became the first state in the country to provide sanitary vending machines in schools, but it was limited to only 300 schools. This time, they have extended this facility to all schools across the state.

In 2018, Bhopal railway station became the first railway station to install a vending machine on its premises. Later, various stations across India, such as Cuttack, Chennai, and Lucknow, also joined in facilitating women.

Kerala: pushing the envelope for women's empowerment.

Earlier this year, Kerala granted menstrual leave in all state universities. The government has also granted a maximum of 60-day maternity leave for all female students aged 18 or above. In 1992, Bihar became the first state in the country to provide menstrual leave to women working in state departments.

Speaking to The Mooknayak, Upmanyu Patil from Swayam Shiksham Prayog welcomed the decision, saying, "This will increase accessibility as one person can utilize the facility to get pads for other needy girls as well." He added that, in addition to accessibility, the government should also focus on the affordability factor.

Here are some key features and benefits of sanitary pad vending machines:

Accessibility: Sanitary pad vending machines promote menstrual hygiene by making pads readily available to women, ensuring that they have access to essential products when needed.

Convenience: These machines offer a convenient solution for women who may unexpectedly run out of menstrual products or may not have immediate access to a store or pharmacy. 

Privacy: Sanitary pad vending machines allow women to obtain pads discreetly without having to ask others for assistance or feeling embarrassed about their menstrual needs.

24/7 availability: Since vending machines can operate round the clock, women can access sanitary pads at any time, even during late hours when stores might be closed.

Cost-effective: Vending machines provide an affordable alternative for purchasing sanitary pads compared to traditional retail stores, as they eliminate additional markups and are often available at a reasonable price.

Hygiene and quality: Sanitary pad vending machines can be stocked with reputable brands of high-quality menstrual products, ensuring that women receive reliable and safe options.

Customization: Vending machines can be tailored to accommodate different pad sizes, types, and absorbencies, catering to the diverse needs of women