Sanitary napkin vending machine installed by Rotary Club of Hailakandi

A Correspondent

Hailakandi: Rotary Club of Hailakandi installed a sanitary napkin vending machine at Srikrishan Sarda College, Hailakandi as part of its ongoing month-long clean water and proper sanitation programme. Inaugurating the sanitary napkin vending machine on Tuesday, honorary member of Rotary Club cum Deputy Commissioner, Keerthi Jalli urged the girl students to maintain proper menstrual hygiene to lead a healthy life. Jalli also asked the girl students to aspire for a bright future before taking any other decision in life. Renowned gynaecologist Dr.Monika Deb addressed the girl students regarding health and menstrual hygiene.

Earlier, in his welcome address, president of the club, Rtn.Harkishore Chanda, while explaining the purpose of installation of the sanitary napkin vending machine, said that menstrual hygiene is one of the most important, yet neglected health issues in the remote villages and all reproductive diseases are caused by poor menstrual hygiene.

Chanda further said that limited access to information, as well as cultural taboos and social stigmas attached to menstruation have a negative impact on the lives and health of millions of girls and women. “It is a taboo subject, surrounded by silence and shame that also restricts women’s access to normal activities and services. Many girls and women miss school and work every month because they do not have access to sanitary pads,” he added.

Emphasising the need for distribution of low-cost subsidised sanitary pads to rural women and girls, Chanda said, “Raising awareness about the importance of good menstrual and personal health practices in local schools and villages will create a positive impact on women’s health and hygiene.”

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