Now students in Thiruvananthapuram can avail sanitary napkins from schools free of cost. Cupboards containing sanitary napkins will be kept in all the classrooms ranging from 6th standard till 12 standards. A facility to dispose of the used napkins in the form of incinerators is also being installed in schools as part of a menstrual management programme launched by the Kerala State Women's Development Corporation (KSWDC).
The programme was launched at the Government Girls High School, Malayinkeezh on Tuesday. As part of this, the school was equipped with a facility to provide sanitary napkins and an incinerator was also installed. "The project has two components- to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene among the girl students, and provide napkins free of cost and installation of incinerators for managing the sanitary waste. Although the state level inauguration was held at the school, the project is ongoing at many government and aided schools. We have tied up with close to 1500 local self-government bodies for the implementation of the programme in schools," said T Geenakumary, director, KSWDC. In Malayinkeezh alone the KSWDC has tied up with all the government and aided schools under the panchayat to expand the programme.
. The awareness classes are being taken by doctors and the sanitary napkins manufactured by HLL are offered as part of the programme. "Hygiene is a primary concern and only napkins manufactured by HLL are provided to the students," said Geenakumari. "A teacher will be assigned to the management of the cupboard. It is observed that children are not keen on using sanitary napkin vending machines and hence cupboards are being placed in all the classes," she added.
Interactive sessions focussing on addressing all the aspects of menstrual hygiene and the usage of sanitary napkins will be held at the schools. "The sessions delve on following hygienic practices during menstruation, guiding the students on handling the physical discomfort and health concerns during the time, among others. Doctors lead the classes that are open for all the girl students," said a KSWDC official. Cupboards containing sanitary napkins will be placed in all the classes from which the napkins can be availed free of cost by the students.
