Sanitary pad vending machines installed in Leh

In a significant step towards promoting menstrual hygiene and empowering women, Neelam Mishra, wife of the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh and the first lady of the UT, inaugurated sanitary pad vending machines at the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat, Civil Secretariat and KBR Airport, Leh.

During the inaugural ceremony, she was accompanied by the Administrative Secretary of Social and Tribal Welfare, Shashanka Ala, and other concerned officials. The initiative aims to provide easy access to sanitary pads for school-going girls and women, ensuring better menstrual health management and reducing the stigma associated with menstruation.

Addressing the female staff of the Civil Secretariat at Leh, Neelam commended Sakhi, a self-help group (SHG) based in Martselang, for coming up with the eco-friendly sanitary pads under NRLM and stated that it should be promoted at all levels. She said that this initiative is a crucial step in ensuring that every girl has access to hygienic menstrual products, which in turn helps in improving the health status of females and the environment.

After the inauguration of the sanitary vending machine at KBR Airport, she addressed the gathering and said that these are medically tested sanitary pads. Once they are successful, the same biodegradable sanitary pad vending machines will be set up in different places in Ladakh.

While addressing the event, Shashanka Ala provided comprehensive insights regarding the importance of women’s menstruation, its awareness, and social taboos associated with it. Keeping in view the fragile environment of Ladakh, she said that Sakhi’s product is eco-friendly and affordable.

Secretary, School/Higher Education, Bhanu Prabha informed about the difficulty faced by menstruating females during office hours and stated that the installation of sanitary pad vending machines would benefit the female staff.