One of the solar powered sanitary napkin vending machines distributed by the FPAI Nagaland branch.
KOHIMA, DECEMBER 21 (MExN): As a part of the Adolescent Education Programme, Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) has distributed solar powered sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators to 10 educational institutions in Kohima.
The distributions were done on December 15, 16 and 17.
This was part of a programme launched in partnership with SELCO Foundation, with the objective to create awareness and sensitize adolescents in and out of school, in addition to community members and stakeholders about menstruation and the significance of menstrual hygiene management along with the need to adopt energy efficient/saving approaches.
The machines were provided to Chandmari Higher Secondary School, Don Bosco College, Government High School, PWD, Holy Family Higher Secondary School, Naga Bazaar Baptist School, Northfield Higher Secondary School, Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Ruzhukhrie Government Higher Secondary School, Vinyüzo Higher Secondary School and St. Mary Cathedral Higher Secondary School.
India has around 355 million menstruating women and girls who face multilayered barriers to effective Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) due to various social and economic factors. According to the latest data collated by the Ministry of Health, only 12% of women and girls have access to sanitary napkins in India while a majority of them relies on outdated, unhygienic methods during menstruation. Another report also mentioned that only 48% of the adolescent girl’s populations in India are aware about menstruation prior to the first period (Urban Sanitation, May 28, 2019). There is also a culture of silence that prevents young girls to talk openly about menstrual hygiene management.
Over the years FPA India, Nagaland Branch has been conducting Comprehensive Sexuality Education sessions for young people to provide relevant information regarding various issues related to adolescence.
