In a commendable attempt to promote women hygiene and gender sensitization, Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, University of Delhi, inaugurated a sanitary napkin
dispenser within their campus.
This unique initiative was taken up by the students of Mark-It-The Marketing Society of the college with the help of CSR Research Foundation,a not-for-profit organization working towards the cause of social empowerment, in an attempt to fight against all taboos that surround menstrual hygiene and ensure easy access for all female staff and students.
An inauguration ceremony was held in the campus to mark its installation. The ceremony was graced by the chairman of CSR Research Foundation, Mr Deendayal Aggarwal and the
Principal of the college, Dr Poonam Verma who appreciated the efforts of the students.
This initiative caters to the AAA mission of the CSR Research Foundation, which focuses on awareness about the myths related to menstruation in India,availability of sanitary napkins,adequate facilities and affordability by making low cost sanitary napkins available locally.
“We,at CBS, wish to remove all stigmas and taboos revolving around menstruation that have plagued the society. We want to bring about a change in the mentality of the society,and work¬†towards the equality of all students.” said the Principal. “The installation of a sanitary napkin machine is just a stepping stone. Mark-It has done a commendable job in making this happen¬†in our college” she further added.
For the functioning of the dispenser, one requires to insert a Rs5 coin in the machine and they can subsequently collect a napkin. This machine has a storage capacity of 100 sanitary napkins which will be refilled by the college.
Before the installation, Mark-It also conducted a series of preliminary events and awareness campaigns. These events mainly focused on breaking all menstruation myths and stigmas that have been created overtime by the society, and develop an open environment in the campus.
“As a girl, I try to be cautious but there are a lot of times when you don’t have a napkin or can’t access one. Such a machine is a boon in that case. Also, by being open about the need for a¬†napkin, we are initiating a dialogue in college which means a lot to us. Thanks to the society and the organization for doing this”, said Shubhangi, a student at CBS.
“In case of an emergency, it becomes extremely tedious for the students to go around looking for a sanitary napkin. Earlier, they had to exit the campus to buy a sanitary napkin which was very inconvenient. Installation of the vending machine has come as a huge relief to the entire female staff and students.” said Kajal, the Vice President of Mark-It.
